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Junco oregonus.— (Sclater.) 
Oregon Snow-bird. I know of no bird so widely distributed or in greater 
numbers than this one on Vancouver Island and along the entire length of the 
Boundary line, from the coast to the very summit of the Rocky Mountains. In 
spring and autumn they are in immense flocks, and only separate when they pair 
for nesting; where they build I am at a loss to imagine; I have hunted and 
watched them, and tried every means to find their nests, but always without 
success. I am convinced in my own mind they build on the ground, although, of 
course, it is but an assumption. They arrive early in April at Colville, and 
leave again towards the end of September. 
Spizella monticola. — (Bated.) 
Tree Sparrow. One of the very earliest of the spring visitors; arrives at 
Colville in small flocks early in March, and keeps on the tops of the tallest pine 
trees. Common also on Vancouver Island, and along the whole course of the 
Boundary line. Pairs in May and begins building early in June, generally choosing 
the fork of a young pine tree for the site of its nest. After nesting they again 
assemble in flocks, young and old together, and join company with the chipping 
sparrow, and take their departure about the end of September. 
Spizitta socialis. — (Bonap.) 
Chipping Sparrow. In its period of arrival, general distribution and habits, 
it almost exactly coincides with S'pizella monticola. It differs somewhat in its 
nest, as it selects the end of a branch, and uses more moss in the construction of 
its nest; the eggs are paler and not so much blotched, 
Tipilo oregonus. — (Bell.) 
Oregon-ground Robin. This bird is very abundant, and extends from the 
coast to the summit of the Rocky Mountains; it is also very common on Vancouver 
Island. They arrive in April and May, and frequent dark woods and thick under¬ 
brush ; very stealthy and shy in its habits, makes a curious noise or cry much like 
that of the cat-bird, and scrapes amongst the dead leaves like a fowl. 
The only nest I ever found was built of fine root fibres, and lined with deer’s 
hair, and most artfully concealed. They assemble in small flocks, and leave again 
in October; some few of them winter on Vancouver Island. 
Agelaius phoeniceus. — (V ieillot.) 
Swamp Blackbird—Red Wing. Very common from the coast to the Rocky 
Mountains, and in the Colville valley. A few remain during the winter. The 
great mass of them arrive in April and May, and begin building early in June, 
generally selecting low bushes round swampy places. After nesting, young and 
old assemble in flocks, and leave in October; a few only remaining about the farm 
yards. 
Sturnella neglecta. — (Aud.) 
Western Meadow Lark. Arrives at Colville very early in April before the 
snow is off the ground, and frequents open grassy plains; ranges from the coast 
to the Rocky Mountains; builds early, makes its nest on the ground. Very early 
in the spring, on their first arrival, the male bird sits on the top of a small bush, 
and warbles out his love song,—a few notes rapidly repeated, but exquisitely 
sweet and plaintive. 
