between two find two and one-half inches. The diameter of the cavity varies from one and seven-eighths 
to two and one-half inches ; average about two inches. The depth of cavity averages about one and one- 
lialf inches. 
EGGS: 
The eggs of a full set are four in number, sometimes three or five. The second and third sets, as 
with most birds, contain one or two less than the full complement. The ground color is faint greenish- 
blue, or almost pure white ; of dozens of sets observed only one white one occurred. The markings consist 
of blotches, dots, and very fine specks of light reddish or yellowish-brown, distributed over the entire 
e §'§'> but most abundantly about the base ; often they are confluent, and form a wreath. Deep shell 
markings appear purplish. Exceptional eggs are plain, or so thickly speckled with light brown as to 
conceal the ground color. They average in size .68 x .52. In length they r ' rely measure less than .61, 
or more than .73 ; and in breadth less than .49, or more than .55 of an inch. 
DIFFERENTIAL POINTS: 
See table. 
REM ARKS : 
The illustration was made from a nest taken June 3rd, 1879, in a wild rose-bush. It fairly represents 
the usual size, materials, and position. The foundation consists of weed-stalks and a few straws ; the 
superstructure of finer weed-stems, fibres, and split grasses ; the lining of horse-hair and roller-grass. 
The eggs figured show the usual sizes, shades of ground-color, and markings. 
The Field Sparrow is retiring in its habits, and therefore has few acquaintances except among 
ornithologists. Its song, which is quaint, is thus described by Mr. Minot, in “Land and Game Birds 
of New England,” page 216: “Their notes are sweet and very clear, and have been likened to the 
tinkling of a bell. They open with a few exquisitely modulated whistles, each higher and very little 
louder than the preceding, and close with a sweet trill. But they are often varied; and, says Mr. Allen, 
‘ The songs of the males ’ in Florida * were so different from those of the northern bird, that the species 
was almost unrecognizable by me from its notes.’ The little Field Sparrows, however, are always 
charming singers, and no sounds ai’e more refreshing, on a warm afternoon of early summer, than those 
which they produce.” 
When the nest is approached, the pair which are always near by, utter a chirping alarm note from 
the bushes or trees, generally managing to keep out of sight, unless the nest contains eggs or young, 
in which case the female boldly approaches and endeavors to scold the intruder from the premises. 
However terrifying the performance may be to some, it only calls the attention of the naturalist or 
collector to the fact that the nest is not far off, and that a little patient searching will reveal it. 
This indiscreet alarm note has betrayed many a secret, and been the immediate cause of much sorrow 
and worry to the Field Sparrow. When the female is sitting upon a nest in the bushes, and is quietly 
approached, she will permit a close inspection of her home without showing any fear, turning her head 
in a quizzical way, and with her bright black eye carefully scanning the visitor from crown to foot. 
Both parents work industriously to appease the appetites of the young, which remain in the nest 
about two weeks, and follow their mother for a week or so more. Having finally freed herself from 
their care, she at once begins the construction of a new nest near by the former one, when the same 
routine of duties are again performed. 
74 
