206 LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 
the Gulf of Mexico (though in the West represented by several 
varieties), being abundant and well known in almost all parts 
of New England ; and, indeed, in a majority of places they are, 
with the exception of the Chipping Sparrows, the most com- 
mon of all the finches. It is impossible to define accurately 
all their haunts, since these vary according to the nature of 
the country, and somewhat according to the seasons ; but their 
haunts, and moreover all those minor habits which have not. 
been fully detailed, may easily be learned by mie ornithological 
experience of one or two years. 
(d). The song of the Song Sparrow is sweet, lively, and 
poured out with an energy which doubles its charm. It has 
several variations, which might excusably be attributed to two 
or three species; but the one most often heard is that which 
they give utterance to in the spring. This is an indescribable 
song, charactéristic of itself. It usually begins with a thrice 
repeated note, followed by the sprightly part of the music, 
concluding with another note, which, like the first, is often 
tripled.66 The Song Sparrows have also eccentric music, pecu- 
liar to the mating-season, and in autumn often soliloquize. 
In the earlier part of spring they sing most loudly, in summer 
they are much les& often heard; in fall they sing unfrequently, 
and in winter seldom. Occasionally they pour out their music, 
when dropping to the ground from some perch above the fields, 
with wings outstretched. Their ordinary notes are a charac- 
teristic, sharp chuck, or “hoarse cheep,” as it variously sounds, 
and a chip, less often heard, which resembles that of several 
other sparrows. 
The Song Sparrows, regarding man’s so-called “interests,” 
are neutral, feeding principally upon seeds or small berries, 
but with those who know them are justly favorites, particularly 
on account of their sprightly song, which, if we except the 
Blue Birds’ note, is the first to be heard in spring. 
* See account of the Red-winged Blackbird’s notes (§14, IV, A, d). 
