166 BIRDS OF NEW ENGLAND AND EASTERN NEW YORK 



resembling that of the White-throated Sparrow, hut a little 

 less heavy. 



In spring the chestnut crown and reddish-brown of the 

 wings, without white bars, distinguish the Swamp Sparrow 

 from all but the Chipping Sparrow ; the latter, however, 

 never resorts to the wet swamp lands and has a more slen- 

 der, less stocky figure (see p. 162). In the fall the un- 

 sfreaked breast distinguishes it from the Song Sparrows 

 which abound in the swamps at that season. The Swamp 

 Sparrow has a square whitish throat-patch, but it is far 

 less conspicuous than the pure white throat of the White- 

 throated Sparrow ; the latter moreover may readily be dis- 

 tinguished by its greater size and the black and white head 

 markings. (See Fig. 45, p. 164.) 



Lincoln's Spakeow. Melospisa lincolnii 



5.75 



Ad. — Upper parts brown, finely streaked with black and gray; 

 under parts white, finely streaked with black, and washed across 

 the breast loith buff. 



The Lincoln's Sparrow, or Lincoln's Finch, is a rare 

 migrant through New York and New England in May, late 

 September, and early October. It is probably less rare in 

 western New England than along the eastern coast. In 

 spring it frequents the bushes on the edges of swampy or 

 wet places, especially in valleys which are good migration 

 routes. In the fall it accompanies the migrant Song and 

 Swamp Sparrows, and may be found near the grassy swamps 

 and wet meadows where these species then congregate. It 

 rarely sings on migration, and only occasionally utters its 

 alarm-note, a slight tsup. 



It requires a well-trained eye to distinguish it from the 

 Song Sparrow. It is possible to find it by persistently gazing 

 at every sparrow in a migrating company in turn, using the 

 opera-glass, until one is at last discovered with a pale buff 



