278 



BIBDS OF ILLINOIS. 



spring dress there is no trace of any second color on the back, ex- 

 cept an exceedingly faint and scarcely appreciable wash of dull 

 brownish over the whole upper parts. The markings of the third 

 tail-feather vary somewhat in specimens. Sometimes the whole tip 

 is margined wth brown ; sometimes the white extends to the end ; 

 sometimes both webs are margined with brown ; sometimes the outer 

 is white entirely ; sometimes the browTiish wash on the back is more 

 distinct." (Hist. N. Am. B.) 



Some specimens have more or less distinct white wing-bands. 



While the Snowbird is known to every one as a common and 

 familiar winter resident, there are few people but to whom its 

 coming and going is a mystery; and the question is often asked, 

 "What becomes of the Snowbirds in summer, and where do they 

 breed?" The summer home of this interesting species includes 

 the colder region of the far North from northern Maine and 

 the more eastern British Provinces to Alaska, north to the Arctic 

 "barren grounds," and along the higher portions of the Alleghanies 

 for an undetermined distance southward.* 



"About Calais [Maine], and in all the islands of the Bay of 

 Fundy, and thi-oughout New Brunswick and Nova Scotia," Dr. 

 Brewer "found this by far the most common and familiar species, 

 especially at Pictou, where it abounded in the gardens, in repeated 

 instances coming within the out-buildings to build its nests. In a 

 woodshed connected with the dwelling of Mr. Dawson, my attention 

 was called to the nests of several of these birds, built within reach 

 of the hand, and in places where the family were passing and re- 

 passing throughout the day * * * Qn my ride from Hal- 

 ifax to Pictou, they reminded me of the common Spizella socialis, 

 but were, if anything, more fearless and confiding, coming into the 

 room where the family were at their meals, and only flying away 

 when they had secured a crumb of sufficient size." 



In all probability the Snowbird does not breed, even occasionally, 

 anywhere within the limits of the State of Ilhnois; nevertheless, 

 individuals may in extremely rare instances be found several weeks 

 after others have departed for the North, these having probably re- 

 ceived some injury which retards, if it does not altogether prevent, 



•On the high mountains of wostern North Carolina, eastern Tennpssee, and northern 

 Georgia, an allied race, or perhaps distinct species, is resident. This has recently (in "The 

 Auk.,"voLiil,Jaii. 1886, p. 108) been described by Mr. Brewster, as/, hy emails caroUnensit, 



