ITAIJAX HOUSE SEAHUOW. 1 
Avithoiit success. The Italian bird differs from the Do- 
mestic Sparrow in some unimportant yet permanent 
colouration, and the wings extend further down the tail 
when closed. There is also a slight difference in the 
second primary, which is relatively to the first and 
second longer than in the Domestic Sparrow. But there 
are the same general dimensions pi’ecisely; the flanks 
and abdomen are of the same unicolorous dull grey; 
the black markings on the throat and crop are of the 
same character, and defined by the white of the 
cheeks and side of the neck with a similar sharp and 
distinct outline. The habits too are precisely similar, 
and it is only as a variety under the name given it by 
Schlegel, that I admit it into this work. 
The Cisalpine Sj^arrow replaces the common type 
throughout the whole of Sicily. It is found during its 
migi’ation in the south of France, and has been noticed 
by Strickland as occurring at Smyrna. Dr. Leith Adams 
also informs me that it occurs in Malta, and that it is 
said to breed with the following species. Its habits 
and propagation are precisely similar to those of the 
House Sparrow. It builds its nest in the same places, 
and of the same form, and the six eggs Avhich it lays 
are sunilar in size, shape, and colouration to those of 
our well-known bird. 
Mr. Tristram remarks, (Ibis, vol. i., p. 293,) “In its 
habits this Sparrow agrees exactly with our own, in- 
habiting the roofs of houses and the rafters of sheds in 
preference to the more distant groves and gardens. I 
never found it in great communities at a distance from 
buildings ; but wherever man dwells in the desert there 
it is found his constant companion. Probably there are 
frequent instances of hybrids in the gardens where both 
species may be found together.” 
VOL. III. 
