OUR SPARROWS 55 



fearlessness makes it easy to study the species. The nest is usually 

 placed low in bushes or small evergreens, where the eggs or young 

 may be observed without annoying the old birds. For some un- 

 accountable reason many abandoned nests of this species may 

 be discovered. In some places the Chipping Sparrow is rarely 

 found, and it surprised me to be told by a friend who is an excellent 

 observer that this bird is hardly ever seen in what is known as the 

 Chicago Area. 



Tree Sparrow. 



Spizella monticola. 



The Tree Sparrow arrives here from the north usually in the 

 latter part of October, and remains until early in April. However, 

 there are long periods, especially when the snow is deep, in which 

 no Tree Sparrows appear. One winter, after December 5, the 

 species was absent 47 days. In winter these sparrows are never 

 abundant; small flocks or only several are usually found. In late 

 autumn, and especially in early spring, the Tree Sparrow is most 

 common. About March 20, the first notes of their beautiful song 

 may be heard; it resembles somewhat that of the Goldfinch, 

 but is stronger and sweeter. When a number sing together in some 

 hedge-row, the effect is very fine. The song season of the Tree 

 Sparrow is brief — about three weeks. Some springs when the weather 

 is very inclement these birds rarely sing. I remember one spring 

 which was so cold that I did not hear the song once. 



White-Throated Sparrow. 



Zonotrichia alhicollis. 



This beautiful sparrow first appears in our latitude about the 

 third week in April, and tarries with us until early in May. In 

 autumn it returns the first week in October, and stays until the 

 end of the month. The White-throats are partial to the 

 ground, where they feed among the dead leaves. Here an observer 

 may obtain a good view of their markings, which are so harmon- 

 iously blended that he can not fail to be pleased with them. Both 

 in spring and autumn, the species is probably the most abundant 

 of all sparrows. It has a trustful disposition, and will invade city 

 parks in great numbers. There is a peculiar, plaintive quality in 

 the notes of the White -throated vSparrow, and little variety, so 

 that the song is not notably fine. 



