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RARER BIRDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 507 
years, and in the time occupied by them in passing a given 
locality, it is less surprising that at different points they 
should vary in abundance the same year. Among the birds 
that regularly breed in the district in question, there are 
some that are not equally common at all points. The Savan- 
nah Sparrow (Passerculus savanna), for instance, that along 
the coast and on the islands is one of the most common 
Species of its family during the summer, is almost unknown 
at this season in the interior of the state, although a species 
that at different seasons of the year is found throughout 
nearly the whole continent. The Swamp Sparrow (JMelo- 
spiza palustris) is likewise locally restricted, for while a 
common summer bird in many of the larger swamps in the 
eastern part of the state, as the Fresh Pond marshes in 
Cambridge, it has thus far escaped the detection of very 
*Xpert observers in the interior and western part. The 
Yellow-winged Sparrow (Coturniculus passerinus) is like- 
Wise partial to peculiar localities, preferring apparently 
sandy plains and dry open pastures; while it is one of the 
Most numerous summer sparrows about Springfield, on Cape 
Cod and at Nantucket, it is generally much more rarely 
Observed in the eastern counties of the state, where at some 
localities it is deemed rare. The same remarks apply to 
other species, as the Solitary and White-eyed Vireos ( Lani- 
vireo solitarius and Vireo Noveeboracensis), ete. The Prairie 
Warbler (Dendreeea discolor) is much more at home in old 
Pastures partially grown up to barberries and cedars than 
elsewhere. The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia), gen- 
erally so numerous everywhere, I found last year was one 
of the rarest sparrows on the islands and extreme coast 
border, where its relative, the Savannah, was so common. — 
irds, as probably other animals, are not quite so invari- 
. Able in their habits as has been commonly supposed, nor in 
the Precise character of their notes and songs, or the situa- 
tion and materials of which they compose their nests. Hence 
. he should not rashly question the accounts given by usually 
