624 
A YEAR WITH THE BIRDS 
The Fox Sparrow’s principal part in New England is that 
of a spring and fall passenger. It enters the country early in 
October, becomes generally distributed during that month, 
and it may be seen in southerly districts all through No- 
vember. 
Returning it reaches Connecticut early in March, and gen- 
erally takes about six weeks to complete the spring migration. 
Conspicuous as it is by its size and beauty, it is further- 
more one of the most accomplished singers of its tribe. While 
with us it haunts shrubbery or undergrowth of all kinds, keep- 
ing much on the ground, where it is fond of rambling and 
scratching much like a Thrasher or Towhee. — Stearns and 
Cones. 
Towhee: Pipilo erythrophthalmus. S. R. 
Chewink, Ground Robin 
Length: 7. 50-8.75 inches. 
Male: Head, neck, chest, back, and all but outer tail feathers black. 
Belly and spots on outer tail feathers white, sides light bay 
Bill black; feet light brown. 
Female: Drab or brownish where the male is black. 
Song: Clear and ringing, “ Teweek — teweek — towhee — blure — 
towhee blure ! ” 
Season: Common summer resident; late April to October. 
Breeds: In its range generally. 
Nest: On the ground; of grass, fibres, hair, etc.; large but well con- 
cealed by underbrush. 
Eggs: White, heavily speckled with brown. 
The Towhee arrives at the end of April and remains in 
southern New England districts, at least all through October. 
It is a vivacious and rather jaunty tenant of shrubbery 
and undergrowth of all kinds, deriving its curious names of 
“ Towhee ” and “ Chewink ” from the sound of its charac- 
teristic notes. By some it is called “ Marsh Robin,” the 
color of its sides being something like that of a Robin’s breast 
and the decided preference of the bird for low, watery situa- 
tions. 
Rose-breasted Grosbeak: ILabia ludoviciana. S. R. 
Length: 7.75-8.50 inches. 
Male: Breast rose-carmine, which color extends under the wings. 
Above black; belly, rump, three outer tail quills and two spots 
on wings white; white bill. 
