50 ITALIAN HOUSE 8PABE0W. 



the first and second longer than in the Domestic Sparrow. But there 

 are the same general dimensions precisely; the flanks and abdomen 

 are of the same unicolorous dull grey; the black markings on the 

 throat and crop are of the same character, and defined by the white 

 of the cheeks and side of the neck with a similar sharp and distinct 

 outline. The habits too are precisely similar, and it is only as a 

 variety under the name given it by Schlegel, that I admit it into this 

 work. 



The Cisalpine Sparrow replaces the common type throughout the 

 whole of Sicily. It is found during its migration in the south of 

 Erance, and has been noticed by Strickland as occurring in Smyrna. 

 Dr. Leith Adams also informs me that it occurs in Malta, and that it 

 is said to breed with the following species. Its habits and propagation 

 are precisely similar to those of the House Sparrow. It builds its 

 nest in the same places, and of the same form, and the six eggs 

 which it lays are similar in size, shape, and colouration to those of 

 our well-known bird. 



Salvador! (Fauna d'ltalia) writes, '^The museum of Turin possesses 

 two individuals . quite alike of a beautiful variety of Passer, which 

 have the throat and the upper part of the chest of a beautiful chesnut 

 colour. This species in Italy takes the place of Passer domesticus of 

 the rest of Europe. It is very common in all Italy; less so in Corsica 

 and Malta, where it replaces Passer salicarius. Many authors have 

 affirmed that this species is found in Sicily, which is not true according 

 to Doderlein, confirmed by Benoit, of Messina." 



Doderlein says of this bird, " This is merely a variety of the Domestic 

 Sparrow, and is very abundant in the territories of Modena and 

 Reggiaro. They have become almost domestic. They lay two or 

 three times yearly, placing the nest by preference under the roofs of 

 houses, in holes of walls, and in nests abandoned by the Swallow, 

 and more rarely upon trees near buildings. They never emigrate. It 

 varies much in its plumage: some become nearly albinos — iron-coloured 

 and dark, as may be seen in the Museum of the University of 

 Modena." 



Mr. Tristram remarks, (Ibis, vol. i., p. 29-3,) "In its habits this 

 Sparrow agrees exactly with our own, inhabiting the roofs of houses 

 and the rafters of sheds in preference to the more distant groves and 

 gardens. I never found it in great communities at a distance from 

 buildings; but wherever man dwells in the desert there it is found his 

 constant companion. Probably there are frequent instances of hybrids 

 in the gardens where both species may be found together." 



The difi'erences between the two birds having been expressed in the 



