among the taller weeds and grasses with evident desire to avoid notice. This is probably 

 the Grasshopper Sparrow. Set your wits against the bird's, and strive for a nearer and 

 more distinct view. When you are able to detect the back, oddly mottled with black and 

 reddish-brown, the cone-like bill, the crown with its central lateral stripe of pale yellow, 

 and, above all, the bright yellow shoulders, you may set doubts aside ; you have 

 established the identity of the bird. 



PLATE XXXI. CHIPPING SPARROW. CHIPPY. HAIR-BIRD. 



Spi^ella socialis. 



Forehead black ; crown chestnut ; a light streak over the eye, a 

 black one from base of bill backward through the eye ; wider-parts and 

 back of neck ash-gray ; back streaked with black, brown and dull red ; 

 wings and tail dusky, the latter notched ; bill short, dark ; legs pale. 

 Length, 5.35 inches. 



Migratory. Comes early in April, leaves late in October. Builds its nest in trees or 

 bushes, and so constantly employs horse-hair for the purpose that Hair-bird has become 

 one of its popular names. Referring to this habit, Thoreau says : " If 1 wish for a horse- 



