SPARROW. 



585. Passcrella iliaca. 7*4 inches. 



Above bright reddish brown and gray; rump and tail 

 wholly reddish brown, and spots on the breast and sides 

 of the same color. 



In winter we find these large Sparrows in quiet 

 swamps and open woods, where they scratch about 

 among the fallen leaves, after the manner of domestic 

 fowls; they will scratch energetically for a few seconds, 

 then pause to see what they have uncovered. They have 

 a short but loud and joyful song, with which they greet 

 you on clear frosty mornings, and the effect is very beau- 

 tiful when a large flock of them are singing in chorus. 



Song. A loud, clear and melodious carol; call, a soft 

 chip. 



Nest. Of grass and moss, lined with fine grass and 

 feathers; four or five pale bluish-green eggs, spotted 

 with reddish brown and chestnut ( .90 x .65) . 



Range. N. A. east of the Rockies, breeding from 

 New Brunswick and Manitoba northward; winters in 

 the southern states. 



