208 



resident from various points in Illinois, Missouri, eastern Kansas, In- 

 dian Territory, and Texas. 



Many observers are so situated that their field-work does not take 

 them into favorable localities for this species. Its favorite haunts in 

 winter are the dense weeds and grass along our streams; hence it is 

 not strange that it is so often overlooked. Our reports, therefore, are 

 so incomplete that it is impossible to fix the bounds of its winter resi- 

 dence, or the extent of its breeding range. Only twenty-five observers 

 recorded its movements in 1884. 



At Caddo, Ind. Ter., it was first seen November 6, 1883. Many must 

 have wintered south of that point, for the balk was reported as arriving 

 March 11, 1884. The last lingered until April 4. At Pierce City, Mo., 

 after January 2, only single birds were seen. The bulk arrived from 

 the south March 29. At Saint Louis, Mo., Mr. Widmann reported see- 

 ing one December 29, at Florisant. February 15 the same small num- 

 bers as last year were at old stands. March 13 an increase was ob- 

 served and the first song was heard. March 17 the bulk arrived, and 

 small parties of highly-colored birds in lull song were conspicuous. 

 Ten days later, March 27, the balk departed. A single bird in company 

 with ,1/. georgiana was seen April 14, and again April 17. 



At Manhattan, Kaus., the species is a rather common winter resi- 

 dent; it arrived from the north October 13; was seen at intervals 

 during the entire winter in favorable localities; the bulk arrived March 

 15, and the last was seen April 5. Manhattau is almost directly north 

 ot Caddo, and 350 miles distant. The bulk reached Manhattan from 

 the south four days later than it was noted at Caddo, while in the fall 

 migration the first was seen at the former station twentj^-three days 

 earlier than at the latter. 



Apparently the bulk of Song Sparrows moves from winter quarters 

 all at once. This movement began about March 10, reaching Caddo the 

 following day. March 13 there was an increase at Saint Louis, and by 

 March 15 the bulk reached Manhattau. At Saint Louis the bulk arrived 

 by March 17. March 19 the wave of migration reached Polo, 111., and 

 Milwaukee, Wis. March 20 the first arrived at New Cassel, Wis. 

 March 24 it reached Lake Mills, West De Pere, aud Green Bay, Wis. 

 The bulk seemed to arrive simultaneously with the first, or but a few 

 hours later. 



March 28 the first reached Elk Eiver, Minn., but it was not seen at 

 Minneapolis until April 5, when it was also seen at Hastings, Minn. 

 On the plains, out of the line of the river woodlands, it seemed to travel 

 more slowly. 



The bulk arrived at Minneapolis April 11. On the same day the first 

 reached Oak Point, Manitoba. April 12 the first reached Larimore, 

 Dak. At this time the last had not departed from Saint Louis. 



Of the breeding habits of this species, or of the localities in which it 

 breeds, little was reported. It was noted as breeding at Newton, Iowa, 



