LARGE-BILLED SPARROW. 
544. Passerculus rostratus. 5 y 2 inches. 
The large and stouter bill, paler, and more of a grayish 
brown color, will distinguish this from any of the preceding. 
They are fairly common in the salt marshes of southern 
and Low r er California. Their nesting habits and eggs are 
practically the same as those mentioned previously. 
SAN BENITO SPARROW. 
544c. Passerculus r. sanctorum. 5*4 inches. 
Breeds on San Benito Islands, winters in southern Lower 
California. Nesting habits are identical (not illustrated). 
BAIRD SPARROW. 
545. Ammodramus bairdi. 514 inches. 
These sparrows breed abundantly in parts of the Dakotas 
on the plains, and winter in eastern Colorado, through Ari¬ 
zona to New Mexico. The tail-feathers of this species are 
much more pointed than on any of the preceding. 
Nest. —This is placed on the ground in clumps of grass, 
and is made of fine dried grass. Usually four eggs are laid 
of a dull white, blotched and spotted with shades of brown 
and lilac (.80 x.60). 
178 
