BIRDS OF MINNESOTA. 3381 
upon the moving protozoans in the rapid waters beneath him, 
and the moving shadows in the mountains of the belated moon, 
while ruminating upon the unfolded life-history of what was 
once considered a simple species, pregnant although with the 
potence of genuine possibilities—Presto Junco! 
Notre. The above was written before a number of my 
ornithological friends of the State verbally reported to me 
some extensive comparisons of the Juncos obtained in migra- 
tion which showed a graduation from hyemalis into oregonus, 
which since that time I have measurably verified. Reconsol- 
idation is the natural order of the day. Let the good work go 
bravely on. | Sa rage ie 
SPECIFIC CHARACTERS. 
Everywhere of a grayish, or dark ashy-black, deepest anter- , 
iorly; middle of breast behind and belly, under tail coverts, 
first and second external tail feathers, white; third tail feather 
white, margined with black. 
Length, 6.25 wing, 3. 
Habitat, North America at lar ge. 
MELOSPIZA FASCIATA (GMELIN). (581.) 
SONG SPARROW. 
Usually about the 15th of April, in 1869 as early as March 
19th, upon visiting the borders of heavy timber lands bordered 
with thickets and brush, I have been captivated by the song 
of this beautiful singer, made most welcome by his long win- 
ter’s absence. It is easy, amid the grand chorus of bird-song 
in May, to overlook this sweet songster, but never when we 
first meet him under such circumstances. He seems to have 
chosen his rostrum upon the very border of winter’s receding 
trail, from which he twitters, trills and rolls his wondrous 
melodies into the very soul of advancing spring. The frosts 
of early morning, those trembling jewels which flash back the 
departing glories of the winter, seem to charge his every bone, 
muscle and feather with the fulness of the inspiration of song, 
which he pours at the feet of the new-born season. 
At this time small numbers associate in bands, but their 
rival melodies soon awake the conjugal instinct and in a short 
time mates are chosen and the summer’s welcome task begun. 
The earliest nests I have found in process of construction 
were begun in the first week in May, but I cannot divest 
myself of the conviction that they will be found occasionally 
much earlier than that in favorable seasons if diligent search 
is made. | 
