1912] Taylor: Birds and Reptiles of Northern Nevada. 399 



way (1877, pp. 477-478) in this regard, who states that the nests 

 are usually on the ground. The structures were variously sup- 

 ported, as a rule being built into the body of the bush so that 

 the foundation was firm, although in some cases the attachment 

 was not so secure. Materials worked into the several nests in- 

 cluded dry sage twigs and sticks; in the linings, wool, dried 

 grass, weed stalks, weed seeds, cowhair, and rabbit fur. 



In general, discovery of the nest was through the flushing of 

 the sitting bird. Most frequently the bird dropped to the ground 

 and disappeared by running to a distance. One parent hopped 

 along on the ground not far away while the examination of the 

 nest was going on and completely encircled the site. The birds 

 usually made no audible objection, but in one case the parent 

 bird remained fairly close at hand and gave voice to a "pit, pit." 



Toward the last of July young in juvenal plumage appeared, 

 one being obtained on the Big Creek flats. All the birds seen 

 above an altitude of 4500 feet were juvenals. 



Melospiza melodia montana Henshaw 

 Montana Song Sparrow 



Distrihution. — Heard in the willows along the Humboldt 

 River at Winnemucca on IMay 11. Occurred quite commonly 

 at Qiiinn River Crossing. Individuals were noted along Big 

 Creek to the altitude of the Dugout Camp, 5000 feet. Observed 

 at Virgin Valley and Soldier Meadows. 



Habits. — Song sparrows were very shy, remaining in the 

 willows over the water or on the opposite bank of the river (at 

 Quinn River Crossing), or retreating into very dense thickets 

 (at Big Creek Ranch). Sometimes, however, Melospiza ap- 

 proached the field naturalist very closely and looked him over. 



They had apparently mated by May 21. Nests were found 

 at Quinn River Crossing, Big Creek Ranch, and Virgin Valley. 

 The first, containing one fresh egg, was noted May 31 at the first 

 mentioned locality. It was 203 mm. (8 inches) above the ground 

 in grass growing up between small willow branches, and was 

 composed of dried marsh grass and weed stalks, and lined with 

 fine grasses and horsehair. The diameter of the cavity was 57 

 mm. (21/4 inches) and its depth 47 mm. (l^^e inches). 



