273 
fore, a very broad one and may be applied to many species. It is a pity 
that one objectionable introduced form should, in America, have cast 
discredit upon a large family which includes many beautiful as well as 
useful birds aud some of great sweetness of song. The most typical feature 
of the Sparrows in popular estimation is a plain earthy coloration, but 
some of the brightest of plumages are found amongst them and in place 
of the commonly expected Sparrow chirp are some remarkable vocal achieve- 
ments. The Sparrows may be divided roughly into ground species, tree 
species, winter wanderers, and Grosbeaks. Superficially observed, the 
first are dull in appearance, but, on close examination, often show beautiful 
colour harmonies. The tree species are often very brightly coloured. The 
winter wanderers usually exhibit a large amount of dull reds. The Gros- 
beaks, recognized by their great, heavy bills (Figure 259), are highly 
coloured. This is not a scientific subdivision, but as the recognition of 
Sparrows is difficult to the amateur any classification that will help is of 
use. 
514. Evening Grosbeak (Including Western and Columbian Evening Gros- 
beaks). Hesperiphona vesper tina. L, 8. Plate L B. One of the largest of the Sparrows, 
with a very large, powerful, typical Grosbeak bill (like Figure 259). It is coloured in broad 
masses of strong lemon yellow, with black wings, tail, and crown; secondaries and tertiaries 
largely white; a bright yellow bar on forehead. The female is similar, but much duller 
and with an ashy wash over all. 
Distinctions. Size; large yellowish or pale greenish bill; large amount of yellow and 
contrastive black and white wings. The male is unmistakable. The female, with her 
light-coloured bill, lemon yellow on body, and large patch of white on black wings, is quite 
different from any other Grosbeak (See Plates LI A, LX A, and LX B). 
Field Marks. Males are unmistakable. Large size, short tail, yellow coloration, 
pale coloured bill, and large white patch in black wings. As it is usually a winter visitor 
within settled sections, females are most often to be compared with female Pine Grosbeaks, 
(Plate LI A), another winter migrant, but they are not so dull or evenly coloured and 
have pale beaks and contrastive black and white wings. The females of the Rose-breasted 
and Black-headed Grosbeaks are both sharply streaked (Plate LX A and B). 
Nesting. In trees; nest of small twigs, lined with bark, hair, and rootlets. Nests 
have been found only in the western mountain districts, and have usually been in the 
tops of tall trees and difficult to locate. 
Distribution. Central and western North America. Breeding in the northern conif- 
erous forest from western Ontario westward, and along the mountains to New Mexico. 
Migrates south and east in winter. 
SUBSPECIES. The species is divided into two races in the Check-list; the Eastern 
Evening Grosbeak Hesperiphona vespertina vespertina occupies the mid-section of the 
continent. The Western Evening Grosbeak Hesperiphona vespertina montana inhabits 
the mountains of the west. Later, and perhaps better advised, authorities refer the 
northern birds of the western race to the Columbian Evening Grosbeak Hesperiphona 
vespertina brooksi, distinguished from the eastern one by the bill averaging slightly slenderer 
and with more and darker olive in the yellow of the male. The female has a darker crown 
in slight contrast with the back. This last detail seems the most constant distinction. 
This is only a winter visitor to most of the prairie country, and an irregular wanderer in the 
east. It is very irregular in its summer and breeding range, being present one year and 
absent the next. In summer it is very retiring and unobtrusive, frequenting the tallest 
trees where it is very difficult to observe. It is only recently that we have succeeded in 
getting any authentic data north of lake Superior on the breeding range of the eastern 
race, though that of the western one has long been known. 
Economic Status. The Evening Grosbeak, coming only in winter, 
can do very little harm. Its favourite food is the seed of the Manitoba 
maple left hanging on the trees, or the fruit of the mountain-ash or rowan- 
trees. The fact that the Manitoba maple has in recent years been planted 
extensively in many parts of Canada may affect the migration habits of this 
91054—18 
