WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. 319 



ing up the fallen leaves in quest of worms and other insects, 

 and are at this time often very unsuspicious, allowing a near 

 approach without betraying any alarm ; but when in large 

 flocks, they move about in timorous haste as soon as ap- 

 proached. About the 15 th of April they leave the Middle 

 States, and retire to the high northern latitudes to breed, hav- 

 ing been seen in Labrador, Newfoundland, and the fur coun- 

 tries up to the 66th parallel in summer. At the period of 

 breeding the male sings with considerable energy and melody 

 already in the early spring ; also before their departure to the 

 North, on fine mornings, they are heard to whisper forth a few 

 sweet and clear notes, as in a revery of the approaching hap- 

 piness of their more lively and interesting condition. 



This Sparrow — known to the country people of the East as the 

 " Peabody Bird " and " Kennedy Bird " — breeds abundantly in 

 the northern portions of New York and New England as well as 

 in the Maritime Provinces; and at the west in northern Michigan 

 and Manitoba. According to Mr. Brewster, this bird breeds also 

 " very commonly on Mount Graylock, sparingly in the northern 

 part of Worcester County, Massachusetts, and occasionally in 

 eastern Massachusetts." The bird winters sparingly in southern 

 New England, and commonly thence southward to Florida. 



The song, which is loud and sweet, is famiHar in the district 

 where the birds build, for they sing all day long, and are often 

 heard during the night. It has been interpreted ped-ped-pe&body- 

 pedbody-peAbody J hence the name. 



