Open Nests on tlte Ground 



Breeding Range— "W^q Eastern States, from Virginia to Massachu- 

 setts, "westward to tiie edge of the plains." 



The nest is somewhat roughly built of coarse grass, placed 

 on the ground often in a slight depression, or close against a 

 tussock in the open fields. The eggs, 3 to 5 in number, are 

 white or nearly white, with distinct brown and purplish spots, 

 more numerous at the larger end. Size — .73 x .56. 



This shy and unobtrusive sparrow is rather difficult to find, 

 owing to its habit of remaining in the thick grass unless forced 

 to fly. In its short, jerky flight it resembles its near relation, the 

 yellow-winged or grasshopper sparrow. Generally speaking, it 

 prefers the more moist fields to those that are very dry. The 

 nest, as in the case of other birds of similar habits, is well and 

 carefully hidden in the grass. In Illinois, eggs have been 

 found as early as April 20th and as late as August 12th. Mr. 

 Brewster says that this sparrow breeds commonly but very 

 locally in the eastern part of Massachusetts, quite numerously in 

 portions of Worcester County, sparingly and locally in Berkshire 

 County. 



549. Sharp-tailed Sparrow: Ammodramus caudacutus 



(Gmel.) 



Adult — Upper parts greenish brown ; a light gray line through 

 centre of crown, which is brown ; bend of wing light yel- 

 low ; throat and belly white or whitish ; breast light buffy 

 brown with dark streaks. The tail feathers, as the bird's 

 name implies, are very sharply pointed, the outer feathers 

 being much shorter than those in the middle. Length — 5.85. 



Breeding Range — From South Carolina along the coast to New 

 Hampshire. 



The nest is placed on the ground in the sedge or grass in or 

 near the salt marshes ; it is built of dry sea-weed and grasses, 

 fine grasses being used for the lining. 4 or 5 eggs are laid, 

 usually 5 ; they are white or whitish with numerous fine brown 

 or reddish spots chiefly at the larger end. Size— .77 x .55. See 

 Fig. I, Plate B. 



The Sharp-tailed Sparrow resembles the seaside sparrow in its 

 choice of locality, being found always near the salt water, choosing 

 for its nesting place either the brackish or salt-water swamps, or 



45 



