PASSERES FRINGILLID^E. 147 



but few grasshoppers. It would thus appear that this spar- 

 row is deserving of protection for the large numbers of 

 weed seeds destroyed, and for its part in keeping in check 

 the insect pests. 



The White-crowned Sparrow reaches Ohio during the 

 first five days of May and remains nearly two weeks. It 

 returns again early in October and remains about two 

 weeks. 



203. (558.) ZONOTRICHIA ALBICOLLIS (Gmel.). 100. 

 White-throated Sparrow. 



Synonyms: Fringilla pennsylvanica, F. albicollis. 



White-throated Crown Sparrow, Peabody-bird, White-throat, 



Yellow-browed Sparrow, Bush Sparrow. 

 Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164, 183. 



If the White-crowned Sparrow be considered common 

 during its migrations the White-throat & abundant usually. 

 There is no direct evidence that it ever breeds in the state. 

 It prefers the brushy tangles bordering woods, but may be 

 found in almost any brushy places away from woods, par- 

 ticularly if it be abundant. It associates with Song, Field 

 and Vesper Sparrows more or less, and with Juncos some- 

 times. The clear, whistled call or song may rarely be heard 

 during the southward movement, but is given full-voiced 

 during the northward one. To one familiar with the bird 

 its alarm call is characteristic. 



Weed seeds comprise half of what this sparrow eats, 

 only 3 per cent, is grain; about 30 per cent, is wild fruit 

 in the season of fruit. The insects eaten are chiefly harmful 

 species. The debt is therefore wholly on our side of the 

 account. 



The White-throat reaches northern Ohio from its winter 

 sojourn in the southern counties, early in April and remains 

 well into May. It returns again late in September and re- 

 mains about five weeks. 



