170 
ah esting. In grass on ground in nest of grasses, rootlets, and hairs, finer grasses 
within. 
Distribution. Distributed, as a species, over all of temperate North America. Breed- 
ing wherever found in Canada. 
SUBSPECIES. Though eastern and western subspecies of the Vesper Sparrow 
are recognized, only the Eastern Vesper Sparrow, the type form, occurs in eastern Canada. 
The Vesper Sparrow is comparable with the Song Sparrow in its 
habits, song, and general appearance. It is less a bird of the brush, however, 
and usually frequents the edges of fields, or where there is slight cover as 
in the vicinity of ditches or roads. Its song is similar to that of the Song 
Sparrow, but can be readily distinguished from it by the educated ear. 
Economic Status This is one of the most beneficial of the Sparrows. 
It feeds farther afield than most of the common summer Sparrows and 
takes a greater percentage of insects than they, and large quantities of 
weed seeds. Some grain is found in its stomach, but under circumstances 
that point to its being waste from the stubble or roadways. The Vesper 
Sparrow, therefore, should receive every possible protection. 
541. Ipswich Sparrow. Passerculus princeps. L, 6-25. Like a large and very 
pale Savannah Sparrow (see next species). 
Distinctions. Distinguished from the Savannah Sparrow by larger size, and light 
coloration; in auttimn also, by an almost complete lack of yellow on the bend of the wing 
and in front of the eye. Distinguished from the Vesper Sparrow by light coloration, 
lack of red on shoulders, and, in spring, by yellow on the bend of the wing and in front 
of the eye. Distinguished from the Song Sparrow by its lighter colour and, in spring, 
by the yellow as above. 
Field Marks. A very pale sparrow about the size of a Vesper Sparrow. 
This bird has a limited and isolated distribution. Its only known 
breeding place is Sable island, about 60 miles south of Cape Breton. In 
winter it migrates down the Atlantic coast never wandering far inland. 
It is of small economic importance. 
542. Savannah Sparrow. FR.—LE PINSON DES PRES. Passerculus sandwichensis. 
L. 5-68. A rather small sparrow striped above with brown, ashy, and intermediate shades. 
Below, white with sharp brown streaks on the breast, flanks, and in some cases on the 
throat. Yellow on the bend of the wing and a spot in front of the eye. Autumn birds 
are generally overwashed with buffy and the markings are softer and more diffused. 
Distinctions. The Savannah Sparrow can be distinguished from the Song Sparrow by 
the yellow spots in front of the eye and on the bend of the wing and by the lack of the 
aggregated streaks which form a spot in the middle of the breast of the Song Sparrow. From 
other allied sparrows of the Grasshopper and Passerherbulus groups it can be told by the 
sharply defined streaks on white ground beneath. 
Field Marks. The Savannah Sparrow can be recognized in the field'by the yellow line 
over the eye and by its notes. Its song isa fine, insect-like tsip-tsip-you-re-e-e-e-e-e-you, the 
first notes often too faint to be heard and the whole with a peculiar far-carrying intensity 
and high pitch that leaves one in doubt whether it is close at hand or very far away. It 
resembles a similar song of the Grasshopper Sparrow, but the latter omits the final note. 
Nesting. On ground, in nest of grasses lined with finer material. 
Distribution. America, north to the Arctic coast. The Eastern Savannah Sparrow 
P.s. savanna occupies eastern North America west to the prairies, when it is displaced by a 
western form. 
SUBSPECIES. Our form, the Eastern Savannah Sparrow, P. s. savanna, isa 
subspecies of which the type form occurs in the Aleutian islands. There are several other 
geographical races but the differences between them are too slight for popular recognition. 
A bird of damp meadows and waste land, where the grass grows in 
rank and coarse bunches and water lies close to the surface; or of sandy 
ee 
meal 
