292 
insect-like, and were it not a very common and relatively confiding 
little bird, it would be easily overlooked. 
Economic Status. As a weed and insect eater it must rank close to 
the Chipping Sparrow, which it closely resembles in habit, but no detailed 
study of its food is at present available. 
562. Brewer’s Sparrow. Spizetta breweri. L, 5*4. A small Sparrow, of the same 
general size and appearance as the Clay-coloured (See Plate LVIII A), but even more 
inconspicuously coloured. Evenly streaked in dull ashy and brown all above, and dull 
white below. Like a faded Clay-coloured Sparrow, without decided cheek patch or sug- 
gestion of median crown stripe. 
Distinctions. Most likely to be mistaken for the Clay-coloured Sparrow, except as 
above. The crown is evenly streaked and there is no decided cheek patch. The adult 
is very like the juvenile Chipping Sparrow but for its general grey coloration, and it lacks 
the striping of the breast. When in similar striped juvenile condition, the two species 
probably can only be separated by the expert. 
Field Marks. Like a Clay-coloured Sparrow, but paler and duller, with softly blended 
ashy-brown face, without evident cheek patch. Best recognized by its song, a “ buz-buz - 
buz h } not as flat as that of the Clay-coloured, but approaching the Chipping Sparrow in 
quality. This is often immediately followed by a long succession of twittering notes, 
suggesting the conclusion of the song of the Vesper Sparrow. 
Nesting. In low brush; nest of grasses and fine plant fibres. 
DistribiUion. Western North America. In Canada, occurring loeaUy in heavy sage 
brush land in southern British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Occasionally as 
far north as Jasper park. This is a very obscure little Sparrow of the sage brush. It is 
very local and by eyesight alone would often be passed over amongst the many Clay- 
coloured Sparrows that it associates with in similar situations. It can hardly be overlooked, 
however, by one familiar with the bird-songs of the sage brush. 
566. White- winged Junco. Junco aikeni. L, 6*25. Like the Slate-coloured 
Junco, but with white wing-bars. 
Distinctions. A large Slate-coloured Junco, with white wing-bars. Not likely to be 
mistaken for any other species. 
Distribution. Central Rocky Mountain region, Wyoming east to the Black hills in 
South Dakota. 
This species has been reported once by Mr. Criddle at Aweme, Mani- 
toba. Can only be a very rare wanderer in Canada. 
567. Junco (Including Slate-coloured, Pink-sided, Oregon, Shufeldt’s, and 
Montana Junco). black snowbird. Junco hyemalis. L, 6*27. Plate LVIII B. 
About the size of a Song Sparrow. Mostly dark or slate-grey; white below, cutting in 
a straight line sharply across the breast. Or — the same colour distribution, but the head 
and breast black, and with back and flanks more or less strongly reddish or chestnut; 
outer tail feathers white. Bill, flesh coloured. 
Distinctions. Easily recognized as a Junco by its grey or black head and breast, 
ending sharply against the white underparts; flesh-coloured bill, and dark tail, with con- 
trasting white outer feathers. Several races intermediate between the red and grey forms 
are recognizable. 
Field Marks. Dark or grey head, and breast sharply defined against white under- 
parts, flesh coloured bill, and contrasting white outer tail feathers, conspicuous in flight. 
The Vesper Sparrow has somewhat similarly coloured outer tail feathers, but is a buffy 
appearing bird, instead of a dark grey or reddish one. 
Nesting. On or near the ground. Nest of grasses, moss, and rootlets, lined with finer 
grasses and long hairs. 
Distribution. North America, from tree limits, southward. Breeding throughout 
Canada, except in the more southern, lower elevations. 
SUBSPECIES. A variable species, breaking up into a number of geographical 
forms. Three distinct types, with several less sharply defined ones, are recognizable in 
various parts of the country. There is considerable disagreement, even among authorities, 
