285 
540. Vesper Sparrow (Including Western and Oregon Vesper Sparrows). 
grass finch, bay-winged sparrow. Pooecetes gramineus. L, 5-75. Plate LV A. 
A dull, earth-coloured ground-bird; softly streaked with shades of brown above; below, 
white, with suffused brown streaks across breast, on sides of throat and flanks. Lesser 
wing-coverts, brownish red. Tail dark with white outer feather on each side (Figure 266). 
Distinctions, Like a number of ground Sparrows, especially 
the Song Sparrow, but characterized by the red-brown (bay) 
shoulders and white outer tail feathers. Spotting on breast softer 
and less profuse than on the Song Sparrow, and not aggregated into 
a central breast-spot. 
Field Marks, An earth-coloured Sparrow, with white breast 
streaked with dark. Separated from the Song Sparrow by lack of 
central breast-spot ana the presence of white outer tail feathers. 
The Junco has similar white tail feathers, but is a darker and more 
slaty (or rufous) bird. Somewhat suggestive of the juvenile Long- 
spurs, but the breast streaked, and much less white in tail (Figure 
266, compare with 263 and 264). 
Nesting. In the grass; nest of grasses, rootlets, and hairs. 
Distribution. Temperate North America. In Canada, across 
into the edges of the northern forest. 
SUBSPECIES. Two subspecies are recognized in western Canada. All birds west 
of the Great Lakes are generally referred to the Western Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gram- 
ineus confinis . It is lighter and greyer than the eastern type race, and averages a little 
longer in the tail. The Oregon Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus affinis, a smaller, 
buffy bird, has been identified from the southern British Columbia coast. 
The Vesper Sparrow is comparable with the Song Sparrow in its 
habits, song, and general appearance. It is less a bird of the brush, however, 
and usually frequents the edges of fields, or where there is slight cover or 
long weeds, as in the vicinity of ditches or roads. Its song is similar to 
that of the Song Sparrow, but may be readily distinguished from it by the 
experienced ear, particularly by its not beginning with the two, or more, 
single notes. 
Economic Status. This is one of *the most beneficial of the Sparrows. 
It feeds farther afield than most of the common summer Sparrows and 
takes a greater percentage of insects than they, and large quantities of 
weed seeds. Some grain is found in its stomach, but in circumstances 
that point to its being waste from the stubble or roadways. The Vesper 
Sparrow, therefore, should receive every possible protection. 
542. Savannah Sparrow (Including Western and Aleutian Savannah Spar- 
rows). Passer cuius sandwichensis. L, 5-68. Plate LV B. A rather Bmall Sparrow 
striped above with brown, ashy, and intermediate shades. Below, white with sharp brown 
streaks on the breast, flanks, and in some cases on the throat. Yellow on the bend of the 
wing and a spot in front of the eye. Autumn birds are general^' overwashed with buffy 
and the markings are softer and more diffused. 
Distinctions. The Savannah Sparrow may be distinguished from the Song Sparrow by 
the yellow spots in front of the eye and on the bend of the wing and by the lack of the 
aggregated streaks which form a spot in the middle of the breast of the Song Sparrow. 
Field Marks. The Savannah Sparrow may be recognized in the field by striped breast, 
yellow line over the eye, and by its notes. Its song is a fine, insect-like “ Tsip-tsip-you-re- 
e-e-e-e-e-you,” the first notes often too faint to be heard and the whole with a peculiar far- 
carrying intensity and high pitch that leave one in doubt whether it is close at hand or very 
far away. 
Nesting. On the ground, in nest of grasses lined with finer material. 
Distribution. North America, north to the Arctic coast. Breeds practically every- 
where in Canada except on the Arctic islands. 
SUPSPECIES. Divided into a number of subspecies, of which the following are 
recognized in the Check-list as occurring in Canada. The Aleutian Savannah Sparrow 
Passerculus sandwichensis sandwichensis breeds on the western Alaskan islands and migrates 
Figure 266 
Tail of V esper Sparrow; 
scale, I- 
the continent, north 
