Open Nests on the Ground 
563. Field Sparrow: Spizella pusilla (Wils.) 
Adult—Upper parts light chestnut brown, finely streaked with 
brown ; under parts light buff shading into white on the 
belly ; d7/2 pinkish. Length—5.68. 
“Young in first plumage have breast streaked with 
black.” (Chapman.) 
Breeding Range—From South Carolina to Canada. 
The nest, which is placed either on the ground or in low 
bushes, is built of grass, fine roots, and occasionally leaves, with 
the lining of hair or fine grass. 3 to 5 eggs are laid, varying con- 
siderably in their colour and markings ; some eggs have the ground 
colour, which is white or greenish white, nearly covered with 
small reddish spots—rarely blotches—while others have scarcely 
any spots. Size—.7o x .52. See Fig. 5, Plate B. 
These delightful little sparrows are easily recognised by the 
distinctive reddish or coral-coloured bill and by the long light 
chestnut tail. They lay their eggs about May Ist near New York, 
laying two or three sets during the season, which lasts with them 
until late July. The nests may be found in the open fields, in 
thickets, and sometimes in scrubby clearings ; they are, as a rule, 
placed on the ground, or ina tussock of either green or dead 
grass. In some places, however, they are most often to be found 
in low bushes. While on the nests these birds are usually averse 
to human visitors ; they glide off quietly through the grass, flying 
up when at some distance to a bush or tall weed, where they give 
utterance to their anxious little note of reproach. Their song, 
though small in volume, is decidedly sweet in tone ; it may be 
heard most often in the early hours of the morning, almost before 
dawn, or late in the afternoon and evening. 
567. Snowbird; Junco: Junco hyemalis (Linn.) 
.Eggs greenish or bluish white with fine spots and some- 
times blotches of reddish brown and lilac, chiefly in a wreath 
round the larger end. 
See Page 61, Chapter II. 
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