368- 



NESTS AND EGGS OF 



539. McCOWlT'S LONGSPTJR. Rliyclioplianes mccownii (Lawr.) Geog. Dist. — 

 Interior of North America, breeding f-om the northern border of Kansas, north to 

 the Saskatchewan ; south in winter to Mexico. 



The Black-breasted or Bay-winged Longspur breeds in abundance throughout 

 the prairies of Colorado, Wyoming' and Montana. In the latter region and Dakota 

 It is found associated with the Chestnut-collared Longspur, in whose general habits 

 it is an exact counterpart. Dr. ' Coues says it has the same soaring, singing flight. 



S39. McCowh's Longspur (S. S. Cheney del.) 



and parachute-like descent, "sliding down on the scale of Its own music." Its nest- 

 ing habits are the same as those of the last species, and the eggs, three to six in num- 

 ber, are similar, but their ground-color is usually more olive; average size .82x.60 

 Inches. 



540. VESPER SPAREiOW. Poocates gramineus (Gmel.) Geog. Dist.— East- 

 ern North America, west to the plains, north to Nova Scotia and Ontario, breeding 

 southward to Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri, northward. 



The Grass-BMnch, Bay-winged Bunting, or "Gray Bird," as it is called, is an 

 abundant species in Eastern United States. Its favorite resorts are weedy fields, 

 roadsides and commons. Prom its habit of singing mostly in the evening and in 

 cloudy weather, it is called Vesper Bird. The bird's song alone is sufficient to dis- 

 tinguish it from others of the smaller sparrows. Its song is a clear, sweet trill, finely 

 modulated, or it is the Song Sparrow's song reversed. The breeding season is in May 

 and June. I have found the nest with fresh eggs in July. This is placed on the 



