188 



Nesting. Nest similar to that of the Song Sparrow, on the ground, sometimes in the 

 grass. 



Distribution. North America east of the prairies, breeding in most of the inhabited 

 parts of Canada. 



As its name implies, this is a bird of the swamps and marshes. The 

 long grass and shrubby edges of marshes are its typical haunts. Late in the 

 autumn it joins the large mixed flocks of Sparrows in the brush heaps and 

 tangled fence-rows and then comes into closer contact with man. 



Economic Status. The food habits of the Swamp Sparrow are not very 

 different from those of other comparable Sparrows. Owing to its living in 

 waste places it is not important. 



Genus — Passerella. Fox Sparrows. 



585. Fox Sparrow, fr. — le pinson fauve. Passerella iliaca. L, 7-26. A rather 

 large Sparrow. Above, bright reddish brown, solid on tail and rump but with dull slaty 

 showing through the red on hindneck and crown. Below, white heavily spotted and 

 streaked with red like back, on sides of throat, across breast, and on flanks. The throat 

 is almost free from markings and the spots tend to aggregate on the breast in a centre 

 spot. 



Distinctions. Rather large size and general bright foxy red coloration are distinctive. 



Field Marks. Rich red coloration, especially on rump and tail. The Hermit Thrush 

 has a similar appearance as it flies, but the upper back is more olivaceous. 



Nesting. On the ground or in low trees and bushes, in nest of coarse grasses lined with 

 finer grass, hair, moss, and feathers. 



Distribution. As a species the Fox Sparrow ranges over all North America north 

 to the tree limits. The Canadian form, the Eastern Fox Sparrow, the type, extends west 

 to the foot of the Rockies, where its place is taken by a number of other subspecies. 



SUBSPECIES. The Fox Sparrow is a highly variable and plastic species and 

 numerous well-marked subspecific forms can be distinguished. The one occupying eastern 

 Canada is the Eastern Fox Sparrow P. i. iliaca, the typical race. 



This Sparrow remains within the limits of civilization only for a few 

 days in spring and autumn. Occasionally in spring it greets us with a 

 song of full clear tone that is equalled by few other birds and rarely 

 surpassed by any. 



Economic Status. It is with us barely long enough or in sufficient 

 numbers to be of great importance to the agriculturist. It eats a little 

 more fruit than the majority of the Sparrows, but at the seasons of its 

 visits little cultivated fruit is available and the insect and weed-seed portions 

 of its food are such that it need cause no anxiety. 



Genus — Pipilo. Towhees. 



587. Towhee. fr. — le pinson atjx yeux rouges. Pipilo erythrophthalmus. L, 8-35. 



Male, all above pure black including tail, head, throat, and breast where it cuts in 

 a sharp line against the clear white of the underparts. Broad reddish or bay flanks. A 

 few white feather-edges on the flight feathers and considerable white in tail margins. 

 Female, similar but with the black replaced by reddish brown. 



Distinctions. Owing to its large size, long tail, and striking coloration the Towhee 

 can scarcely be mistaken for any other bird. Young birds do not have much indication of 

 these distinctive colours, being a vague, generally rusty colour, faintly and brokenly 

 striped; but the long tail, size, and general outline are usually sufficient for recognition. 



