SPIZELLA AGRESTIS : FIELD SPARROW. 27 1 



be called abundant north of Massachusetts. Reach- 

 ing the borders of our country early in April, it spreads 

 to its natural limit during that month ; in October it 

 makes up into flocks, which begin to move southward, 

 though it has been found in Connecticut all through 

 the month of November. 



This humble little Finch is very melodious, and has 

 an extensive and varied score to sing from. The un- 

 usual compass of its vocal powers has led to the most 

 diverse estimates of its musical ability ; but it would 

 appear that those are nearest right who give it the 

 most praise. Mr. Grinnell calls the song "loud, clear, 

 and pleasing," adding that one may consider himself 

 fortunate who has mastered its numerous variations. 

 Mr. Allen remarks that the songs of the males in 

 Florida were so different from those of the Northern 

 birds that he could scarcely recognize them as coming 

 from the same source. Another late writer, Mr. Mi- 

 not, who calls the little Field Sparrows " charming 

 songsters," leaves this record of his impressions : 

 " Wilson speaks of their chirruping, by which he 

 probably refers to their occasional twitters, but he 

 says that they have no song. But the Field Spar- 

 rows do sing, and very sweetly, most often in the 

 early morning and towards evening, though also at 

 other times of the day. Their notes are sweet and 

 very clear, and have been likened to the tinkling of 

 a bell. They open with a few exquisitely modulated 

 whistles, each higher and a very little louder than the 

 preceding, and close with a sweet trill." 



