BIRDS OF PENNSYLVANIA. 237 



Zonotrichia albicollis (GMEL.). 



White-throated Sparrow. 



DESCRIPTION (Plate 95). 



Size about same as leucophrys. 



Male. Two broad black stripes on crown divided by a narrow white line, a showy 

 yellow stripe, from bill to middle of eye, joins a white stripe which runs back to the 

 occiput; throat patch white; edge of wing yellow. Upper parts mostly chestnut 

 streaked with black ; two showy white wing bars ; sides of head, neck in front, and 

 breast, ashy or pale lead color. The female is similar but duller. The young and 

 most specimens taken in autumn have throat, breast, and sides, more or less streaked 

 with dusky. In a large number of specimens before me I see a trace of yellow be- 

 tween the eyes and bill, as well as on edge of wing. These yellow markings and 

 the large size are sufficient to identify the species. 



Habitat. Eastern North America, west to the plains, north to Labrador and the 

 Fur Countries. Breeds in northern Michigan, northern New York and northern New- 

 England, and winters from the Middle States southward. 



This beautiful sparrow, one of our most common spring- and fall mi- 

 grants, is found usually in small flocks about woods, apple orchards, 

 gardens and shrubbery. In the spring, particularly in April, and the 

 early part of May, the White-throats subsist largely, indeed chiefly, on 

 the buds and blossoms of the apple, beech and maple trees. During- 

 their vernal migrations they may be observed, singly or in flocks, de- 

 vouring the tender growth of beech trees, along the edges of woods, 

 particularly those in the neighborhood of running- streams. While it is 

 true that the buds and blossoms of apple, maple and some few other 

 trees are eaten, I am quite certain that their favorite articles of diet, in 

 the way of buds and blossoms, are those of the beech trees. The dam- 

 age which these birds do to apple or other fruit trees is so trifling that 

 the farmer or fruit-grower should not be prejudiced against them. This 

 species feeds also on various small seeds and different insects. The 

 White-throated Sparrow is not uncommon as a winter resident in several 

 of the southern counties of Pennsylvania. 



GENUS SPIZELLA BONAPARTE. 

 Spizella monticola (GMEL.). 



Tree Sparrow. 



DESCRIPTION (Plate 94). 



Length about 6 inches ; extent about 9^ ; the long blackish tail feathers are edged 

 with whitish ; maxilla dark brown ; mandible yellowish ; legs brown ; toes black- 

 ish ; crown chestnut (in many specimens the crown feathers, especially in center, 

 are bordered with grayish); broad whitish line over eye, and back of eye a chestnut 

 streak ; above, especially middle of back, brownish with dark streaks and paler 

 edgings ; lower parts whitish ; ashy throat and neck, and brownish on sides and 

 flanks. No dusky streaks on lower parts, but a conspicuous dusky spot in middle 

 of breast. 



