78 ZONOTEICHIA ALBICOLLIS. 



jerkings of the tail, and uttering a note common to the tribe. From the 

 hedges and thickets they issue one by one in quick succession, and ramble to 

 the distance of eight or ten yards, hopping and scratching in quest of small 

 seeds, and preserving the utmost silence. When the least noise is heard or 

 alarm given, and frequently, as I thought, writhout any alarm at all, they all 

 fly back to their covert, pushing directly into the thickest part of it. A 

 moment elapses, vsrhen they become reassured and, ascending to the highest 

 branches and twrigs, open a little concert, which, although of short duration, 

 is extremely sweet. There is much plaintive softness in their note." 



Mr. Coues adds that the musical abilities of this pretty Sparrow are of 

 a high order, though the song is notable rather for its limpid sweetness than 

 for power or brilliancy. 



