188 WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. 



green, spotted, chiefly at the larger end, with cinnamon- 

 brown or blackish markings. 



Up to this time the Chippy has given us a good oppor- 

 tunity to see his chestnut cap and black forehead, but 

 when the nesting season is over he will change these for 

 a cap to match his coat, and with others of his kind gather 

 in old, weedy fields, remaining there until cold weather 

 drives him southward. 



About the time of the first frost a new Sparrow will 

 appear in the hedgerows and thickets and the under- 

 wits-throated growth of the woods. The white patch 

 Sparrow, on his throat may aid in his identifica- 

 ZonotricUa alUcoiUs. tion as the White-throated Sparrow, a 

 Northern bird who in the summer 

 nests from northern New England northward, and in 

 winter is found from southern New England to the Gulf 

 of Mexico. 



He is disposed to be rather quiet for several days 

 after his arrival, and, beyond a few low notes addressed 

 to his companions, has little to say ; but if you whistle 

 to him even a poor imitation of his song, nearly every 

 bird in the company will hop up from the tangle of 

 branches and, perching on the outer twigs, look for the 

 friends who called. Perhaps some may essay a tremulous 

 response, but for a week or more they will make few at- 

 tempts to sing. Later, you will hear the sweet, plaintive 

 notes that give to this bird the name Peabody-bird. 



The White-throat's call-notes are a low tseep and a 

 very characteristic sharp chink, which has been well 

 likened by Mr. Bicknell to the sound of a marble cut- 

 ter's chisel. At this season the White-throats roost to- 

 gether in flocks of varying size, and if you chance to be 

 near their home at bedtime you will hear this chink note 

 given as a "quarriers' chorus." Finally, as the gloom 

 deepens, it will cease, and from the dark depths of the 



