94 SLACK SNOWBIRD. 



onward, almost to the light, we turned suddenly to the right and entered a creek, which 

 leads back of the island, along which we glided, for a mile or so, then cast anchor near a 

 large plantation. Going ashore we landed in a fine grove of live oaks which were heavi- 

 ly draped with long streamers of Spanish moss. These were hung so thickly that, to- 

 gether with the dense foliage, they rendered the light quite obscure, and it was not until I 

 had gone some distance that I observed that I had entered one of those small cemetarics, 

 so common in the South. Emerging from those gloomy shades I entered an adjacent cot- 

 ton field, from which a large flock of Sparrows started. Among them were several Snow- 

 birds, which, true to their instinct, instantly made for the trees and concealed themselves 

 in the long moss. This is the farthest point south that I have ever found them, but Mr. 

 Boardman records them as common in Florida during some seasons. 



As above intimated, the Snowbirds intuitively seek protection by concealment, when 

 disturbed. They always exhibit this trait, and, in sections where there are no heavily fo- 

 liaged trees, of which they can avail themselves, will take shelter under brush heaps or 

 in thickets. This habit is acquired while they are among the spruces and hemlocks of 

 their northern homes. 



In the South, and during the autumnal migration, the males have no other notes than 

 the sharp cry of alarm, which is often repeated several times in rapid succession until it 

 becomes almost a twitter, but during the northern journey they indulge in a very melo- 

 dious warble. This lay is only heard on those still, April mornings, when all the earth is 

 steeped in sunshine; when the bursting buds are disclosing the delicately tinted leaves; 

 when the grass on the southern slopes is showing its most brilliant green, and the balmy 

 breath of the coming spring is quietly awakening all vegetation to a renewed life; then the 

 Snowbirds, as if influenced by the surrounding tranquillity, gently pour forth their low 

 melody. Then we hear them at their best, for strangely enough when the summer has 

 fairly come, and all other birds are full of harmony, our little white-breasted friends for- 

 get the pleasant strains that they practiced earlier in the season, and only trill a series of 

 harsh chipping notes, which, when compared with their former efforts, is to say the least, 

 very inharmonious. 



This species usually breeds on the ground, but Mr. H. B. Bailey found a nest at Up- 

 ton, Maine, placed on the limb of a spruce, four feet from the ground. The eggs are de- 

 posited about the first week in June, but a second litter is sometimes laid in July. The 

 young accompany their parents when they associate with the White-throated and other 

 Sparrows, migrating with them in September, and remaining with them, often in flocks, 

 all winter. 



GENUS V. SPIZELLA. THE TRUE SPARROWS. 



GEN. OH. Bill, pointed. Wings, long. Tail, slightly forked. Coracoids, shorter than the top of keel, which is 

 higher than one half the width of sternum. Size, -medium, never very small. 



All the species are dull in color, streaked above, but not below, in the adult stage of plumage. There are never any 

 conspicuous white markings on the tail. 



There are quite a large number of species in this genus but they are quite easily distinguished, as the specific charac- 

 ters are very distinct. 



