22 HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS. 
and lined with fine hair or other soft material. These 
nests much resemble those of the oven bird, except the 
artificial covering, but they are always so placed in tus- 
socks, or on the side of knolls or banks, as to make a 
natural shelter that will completely hide from view the 
sitting birds. They have somehow learned that their 
conspicuous color makes this precaution necessary, while 
the neutral or ground-colored sparrows nearly all nest 
in open places, their resemblance to the surroundings 
proving their natural safeguard. 
The common song of the junco is merely a succession 
of clear, tinkling notes like the rhythmic clinking of 
pieces of silver. I have also occasionally heard it 
indulge in a low warble, always pleasing, because unex- 
pected. The Hudsonian sparrow has almost as many 
local names as the “flicker.” Among them are “slate 
sparrow,” from its color; “black chippy,” from its 
chirping notes so similar to those of the chipping bird; 
and “snow bird,” from its occasional appearance in 
company with the snow-bunting in midwinter. 
The latter part of March small flocks of cedar birds 
(Ampelis cedrorum) put in a brief appearance. They 
were evidently on a tour of inspection, “spying out the 
land,” as they soon returned south to await milder days 
and a better supply of food before settling for the sum- 
mer. They are readily recognized by the tuft of crown 
feathers or “top-not;” and also by the little scarlet 
beads upon the wing feathers, resembling bits of red 
sealing wax. They are hardly classed among the sing- 
ing birds, but their presence adds a charm to the sur- 
