318 NOTES ON THE 
AMMODRAMUS CAUDACUTUS (GME LIN). (549.) 
SHARP-TAILED SPARROW. 
I have not had the opportunity to examine the specimens of 
this species secured by Mr. F. L. Washburn, but do not hesi- 
tate to introduce them into this report, believing him fully 
competent to their identification. In his notes of observations 
and collections in the Red river valley during July and August, 
1885, he says of the Sharp-tailed Finch. ‘‘Three individuals 
secured, and others observed. Two were shot near Ada, and 
had dimensions 5:2:2 each. The third killed on the northern 
boundary at St. Vincent, measured 4.50:2:2. I found them in 
grass-land near water, associating with long, and short-billed 
Marsh Wrens.” 
SPECIFIC CHARACTERS. 
Upper parts brownish-olivaceous; head brownish, streaked 
with black on the sides, and a broad central stripe of ashy; 
back blotched with darker; a broad superciliary and maxillary 
stripe, and a band across the upper breast, buff yellow; sides 
of throat with a brown stripe; upper part of breast, and sides 
of body streaked with black; rest of under parts white, the 
edge of the wing yellowish-white. 
Length, 5; wing, 2.30; 
Habitat, Salt marshes of Atlantic coast westward to Minne- 
sota, 
CHONDESTES GRAMMACUS (Say). (552.) 
LARK SPARROW. 
The Lark Finch may be justly considered one of the most 
abundant birds, according to relative numbers that we have for 
summer residents in the State, yet there have been years when 
their favored localities have been almost deserted. 
It is found more or less common on the prairies, but so far 
as my own observation has noted them, they prefer the vicinity 
of open brush-land with a few deciduous trees not far away, 
and may there be found in greatest numbers. Its manners and 
habits commend it to the lovers of birds. wherever it lives in 
summer. 
Its song is really beautiful during the mating and brooding 
season, and may be heard in almost any direction in the early 
day and at evening about an hour before sunset, one singer 
answered by another until the sparrow song-wave seems to 
circle out of hearing in the distance. It is not entirely terres- 
trial, but often is seen perched on trees or fences even when 
