Open Nests on the Ground 
the breast and sides, which are much more sharply defined in the 
southern variety. The nesting habits are described as being 
identical. 
552. Lark Sparrow: Chondestes grammacus (Say) 
Aduit—Head reddish brown with a whitish line through crown 
and over the eye ; upper parts ashy brown with dark streaks ; 
tail feathers dark brown with white tips ; under parts white 
or whitish, a black line on either side of throat, and a black 
spot on breast. Length—6.25. 
Breeding Range—‘‘ Throughout the Mississippi Valley, from east- 
ern Texas and Louisiana on the south to lowa and southern 
Michigan on the north.” Accidental on the Atlantic coast. 
The nest is usually placed on the ground in prairie land or 
pastures ; it is made of grasses, twigs, and fine roots, lined with 
hairs. 3 to 4, and not more than 5, eggs are laid. In some cases 
they are said to resemble closely the eggs of the Baltimore oriole, 
though as a rule the markings, consisting of very dark brown and 
lilac scrawl-like lines, are more confined to the larger end; the 
ground colour is white, sometimes tinged with blue or buff. Size— 
-80 x .63. See Fig. 3, Plate B. 
The Lark Sparrow, Lark Finch, Quailbird, or Road-bird, as he 
is variously named, has scarcely the right to be called a resident 
of the Eastern States, being but an occasional visitor. In localities 
where they are regular residents they are said to ‘‘ often repair the 
nests of the mocking-bird and orchard oriole with a lining of 
grass, horse hairs, etc.” Their eggs have also been found ‘in 
the nest of the scissor-tailed flycatcher,” and though occasionally 
the nest is built in bushes or even trees, it is usually on the 
ground. The breeding season lasts from May to July. 
558. White-throated Sparrow: Zonotrichia albicollis 
(Gmel.) 
Eggs white, tinged with either blue or yellow, with fine 
marks and heavy blotches of various browns. 
See Page 60, Chapter II. 
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