Mar., 1920 63 
BRYANT MARSH SPARROW UPON THE HILLS 
By JOSEPH MAILLJARD and JOHN W. MAILLIARD 
WITH DW O PHOTOS 
UE probably to the lack of evidence to the contrary the breeding grounds 
of the Bryant Marsh Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis bryanti) have 
been generally assumed to be confined to salt marshes and their imme- 
diate vicinity, within a few feet of sea level. Of late years, however, reports 
have been coming in of sparrows of apparently this form that were found at 
elevations. An article drawing attention to this appeared among the notes 
“From Field and Study’’ in THe Conpor for March,'1917 (vol. xix, p. 69), in 
which the hope was expressed that the matter would be taken up by bird stu- 
dents and thoroughly investigated. 
On account of this limitation of breeding ground a set of eges taken by 
Chas. A. Allen on Black’s Mountain, Marin County, California, on Apri! 23, 1877. 
and identified by him at the time as that of the Western Savannah Sparrow 
Fig. 11. Sprincy spot, 400 FEET ELEVATION, ON TOMALES POINT, MARIN CouNTY, 
CALIFORNIA, WHERE THE BRYANT MARSH SPARROW WAS TAKEN IN THE BREED- 
ING SEASON. 
(Passerculus sandwichensis alaudinus) by the capture of the male parent, which 
he regarded as being of that form, was allowed to remain for many years with- 
out special investigation. Unfortunately Mr. Allen disposed elsewhere of the 
parent bird and it has not as yet been located, in spite of the request for in- 
formation concerning it contained in the article above referred to; so that this 
record has always been considered unique, though unsatisfactory. The prob- 
able clearing up of this matter, as outlined below, has proved most gratifying. 
On May 31, 1917, while on our way back from a trip to Tomales Point, 
which forms the southerly side of Tomales Bay, Marin County, California, and 
while still on the backbone of the ridge which tapers off into the point, several 
