BIRDS OF MINNESOTA. 327 
SPIZELLA PALLIDA (Swarnsoy), (561.) 
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW. 
The Clay-colored Sparrow was first brought to my notice in 
the spring of 1875, by T. S. Roberts. Very soon after he 
obtained his, a considerable number were collected by others as 
well as myself. Since that time it has become a decidedly 
familiar species, breeding along the Red river and eastwards 
to the vicinity of prevalent timber. It arrives in spring from 
the 25th of April to the 5th of May, but does not remain in 
this locality. The nest is found on the brush along the water 
courses, particularly those tributry to the Red river, and the 
low willowy bushes bordering some of the lakes with which 
our State abounds. From all I have been able to learn from a 
variety of sources I think that incubation is inaugurated by 
the first week in June, and two broods of four each is the 
rule. The structure is, in the words of Dr. Coues’ Birds of 
the Northwest, page 150,—‘‘Inartistically built of fine dried 
grass-stems, and the slender weed-stalks, with perhaps a few 
rootlets. It is sometimes lined quite thickly with horse hairs, 
sometimes not, having instead some very fine grass-tops.” 
The color of the egg is light green, and they are thinly 
speckled with several shades of brown. The speckling is 
principally confined to the larger end. 
The habits of this species do not materially differ from those 
of the Chipping Sparrow. The songofthe male is said to be 
less pretentious, but equally persistent with those of the last 
mentioned species, consisting of a monotonous trio of notes 
ending in a weak trill. 
Their fall movement southwards is somewhat later than 
that of the Chipping Sparrow as I must not only infer from 
local observations, but from Mr. Washburn’s notes of observa- 
tions in the Red river valley. The latter, after having been 
ordinarily represented throughout that region, were gone 
while he stiJl found Pallida ‘‘“common indeed.” 
He says: ‘I met old-and young birds on the banks of the 
Red river, about Georgetown, on the first of August. The 
young then, were of all ages, but most of them full grown. 
With their parents they congregate in pastures, and on weed- 
grown fields in good sized flocks.” I think they have all left 
the State by the first or second week in October. 
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