between two and tAvo and one-half inches. The diameter of the cavity varies from one and seven-eighths 

 to two and one-half inches; average about two inches. The depth of cavity averages about one and one- 

 half inches. 



EGGS: 



The eggs of a full sot are four in number, sometimes three or five. The second and third sets, as 

 with most birds, contain one or two less than the fall complement. The ground color is faint greenish- 

 blue, or almost pure white; of dozens of- sets observed only one white one occurred. The markings consist 

 of blotches, dots, and very fine specks of light reddish or yellowish-brown, distributed over the entire 

 egg, but most abundantly about the base; often they are confluent, and form a Avreath. Deep shell 

 markings appear purplish. Exceptional eggs are plain, or so thickly speckled Avith light brown as to 

 conceal the ground color. They average in size .68 x .52. In length they rarely measure less than .61, 

 or more than .73; and in breadth less than .49, or more than .55 of an inch. 



diffeee:n'tial points : 



See table. 



REMAEKS : 



The illustration was made from a nest taken June 3rd, 1879, in a wild rose-bush. It fairly represents 

 the usual size, materials, and position. The foundation consists of weed-stalks and a few straws; the 

 superstructure of finer weed-stems, fibres, and split grasses; the lining of horse-hair and roller-grass. 

 The eggs figured show the usual sizes, shades of ground-color, and markings. 



The Field Sparrow is retiring in its habits, and therefore has few acquaintances except among 

 ornithologists. Its song, which is quaint, is thus described by Mr. Minot, in "Land and Game Birds 

 of New England," page 216: "Their notes are sweet and very clear, and have been likened to the 

 tinkling of a bell. They open with a few exquisitely modulated whistles, each higher and very little 

 louder than the 2:)receding, and close with a sweet trill. But they are often varied; and, says Mr. Allen, 

 *The songs of the males' in Florida 'were so difi^erent from those of the northern bird, that the species 

 was almost unrecognizable by me from its notes.' The little Field Sparrows, however, are always 

 chai^mlng singers, and no sounds are more refreshing, on a warm afternoon of early summer, than those 

 which they produce." 



When the nest is approached, the pair which are always near by,, utter a chirping alarm note from 

 the bushes or trees, generally managing to keep out of sight, unless the nest contains eggs or young, 

 in which ^ case the female boldly approaches and endeavors to scold the intruder from the premises. 

 However terrifying the performance may be to some, it only calls the attention of the naturalist or 

 collector to the fact that the nest is not far off, and that a little patient searching Avill reveal it. 

 This indiscreet alarm note has betrayed many a secret, and been the immediate cause of much sorrow, 

 and worry to the .Field Sparrow. When the female is sitting upon a nest in the bushes, and is quietly 

 approached, she will permit a close inspection of her home without showing any fear, turning her head 

 in a quizzical way, and Avith her bright black eye carefully scanning the visitor from crown to foot. 



Both parents work industriously to appease the appetites of the young, which remain in the nest 

 about two weeks, and follow their mother for a week or so more. Having finally freed herself from 

 their care, she at once begins the construction of a new nest near by the former one, when the same 

 routine of duties are again performed. 



74 



