composed largely of injurious insects and weed seeds. In the summer 
time these sparrows make a business of hunting in the ground for cut 
worms which if allowed to live would do much damage. A few years 
ago when the destructive forest tent caterpillar was abundant, the song 
sparrow aided man in checking the ravages of this pest. 
Prof. Judd of the Department of Agriculture says that taking the 
food habits of the song sparrow as a whole, it will be readily seen that 
this bird does much more good than harm and is worthy of protection and 
encouragement. Only two per cent, of his food consists of useful insects ; 
and grain mostly waste amounts to only four per cent., while the seeds 
of various species of weeds constitute fifty per cent. 
SLATE-COLORED ]VNCO-(Junco hyemalis.) 
Upper parts, throat and breast grayish slate color; belly white; sides 
grayish; outer feathers of the tail white; bill flesh color. 
Female, similar but upper parts browner, throat and breast paler. 
Length about six inches. 
Resident. 
Favorite Haunts. In summer time on the tops of the mountains, in 
late fall and winter around the buildings, highways, and fields. 
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