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Distinctions. The bill is the best point of recognition; that of the ordinary domesti- 

 cated Canary is of the characteristic Sparrow type. The birds most likely to be mistaken 

 for members of this family are the Bobolink (Figure 46, p. 26) and Cowbird (p. 166) of 

 the previous family and the Tanagers, of the next one. These are all easily separated 

 by their striking colours (See under specific headings). The Tanagers show notches in 

 the cutting edges and tip of the mandibles which make them easy to recognize (Figure 

 53, p. 26). In one group of Sparrows, the Crossbills, the tips of the bill cross each other 

 (Figure 52, p. 26); in another, the Grosbeaks, the bill is very large and heavy (Figure 

 50, p. 26). 



The Sparrows form the largest and most important family of the 

 Perchers, and are probably the most important family of birds in the 

 world. They are found everywhere except in Australia and are repre- 

 sented in all habitats from wet swamps, grassy uplands, and brushy 

 thickets to dry plains and sand dunes. The terms Sparrow, Linnet, 

 Finch, and Bunting are almost synonymous and are applied to various 

 species irrespective of their relationship. The name Sparrow is, there- 

 fore, a very broad one and can be applied to many species of very different 

 rank and value. It is a pity that one objectionable introduced form 

 should have cast discredit upon a large family which includes many beau- 

 tiful as well as useful birds and some of great sweetness of song. The 

 most typical feature of the Sparrows in popular estimation is a plain 

 earthy coloration, but some of the brightest of plumages are found amongst 

 them and in place of the commonly expected Sparrow chirp are some 

 remarkable vocal achievements. The Sparrows can be divided roughly 

 into ground species, tree species, winter wanderers, and Grosbeaks. Super- 

 ficially observed, the first are dull in appearance, but, on close examination, 

 often show beautiful colour harmonies. The tree species are often very 

 brightly coloured. The winter wanderers usually exhibit a large amount 

 of dull reds. The Grosbeaks, recognized by their great, heavy bills 

 (Figure 50, p. 26) are highly coloured. This is not a scientific subdivision 

 but as the recognition of Sparrows is difficult to the amateur any classi- 

 fication that will help is of use. 



Genus — Hesperiphona. 



514. Evening Grosbeak, fr. — -le gbos-bbc k cottronne noire. Hesperiphona 

 vespertina. L, 8. One of the largest Sparrows with the very large powerful bill which is 

 typical of the Grosbeaks (Figure 50, p. 26). It is coloured in broad masses of strong 

 yellow with black wings, tail, and crown and a white band over the wing. The female is 

 similar, but duller in colour with an ashy wash over all. 



Distinctions. Size, bill, and large amount of yellow. The female retains enough 

 yellowish showing through the ashy to be easily recognized. The yellow or yellow-green 

 colour of the bill is diagnostic of all plumages. For a comparison of the female with the 

 Pine Grosbeak, see that species. 



Field Marks. Size and yellow coloration. As it is a winter visitant only, it cannot 

 be confused with other birds. 



In trees; nest of small twigs lined with bark, hair, and rootlets. The 

 nest has been seldom seen. 



Distribution. Central and western North America, south along the mountains. 

 Migrating east irregularly in winter. 



SUBSPECIES. The Evening Grosbeak is divided into an Eastern and Western 

 subspecies; only the former, the type form, occurring in eastern Canada. The breeding 

 grounds of the Eastern bird are still to be accurately determined. 



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