216 BIRDS OF THE WORLD 



by no means pleasant to the ear. See Plate 16, Fig. 

 93. 



„ The European Tree-sparrow, which is closely re- 

 lated to the preceding species, is a relatively rare 

 bird in comparison. It also was introduced into this 

 country, where it has become naturalised. While 

 much like the House-sparrow, it may be distinguished 

 by its chestnut, instead of grey, crown, and the two 

 white bars across the closed wing. Further, while in 

 the former species the sexes are quite dissimilar, ia 

 the Tree-sparrow they can hardly be distinguished. 

 See Plate 16, Fig. 94. 



The American Tree-sparrow is found in the eastern 

 part of the country, breeding north of the United 

 States, but wintering throughout them, as far west as 

 the Great Plains. A small black spot in the centre 

 of the greyish-white breast is an aid in identifying it. 

 It has a sweet liquid warble, somewhat Canary-like 

 in character. 



The Field-sparrow of this country gets its name 

 from its habit of frequenting fields and open country, 

 rather than more wooded sections. It closely resem- 

 bles the Tree-sparrow in colouring, but is somewhat 

 duller. This bird is common in summer throughout 

 our Eastern States. It nests on or near the ground. 



Two other very well known species in eastern North 

 America are the Song-sparrow and the Chipping- 

 sparrow. Both are sociable little birds, often coming 

 about houses in search of food. The former is one of 

 our sweetest and most constant songsters, being heard 

 at all hours during the day. This bird is reddish- 

 brown above, streaked with black and ash, and white 



