340 : BIRDS—FRINGILLIDA. 
the breeding season, and none of our Sparrows equal it in melody. Dr. 
Brewer says of it: 
‘The song of this species is described as composed of regularly divided parts, almost 
perfect in compass, in vigor and continuity unsurpassed, if not unequaled, by any other 
North American species. It begins with a series of chants, the style reminding one 
somewhat of the Cyanospiza cyanea, but each syllable loud, rich, and clear, and uttered 
with a peculiar emotional trill, the whole seeming delivered in a hurried manner, in one 
continuous gush of silvery notes, and accompanied by a metallic tremolo. Asif exhausted 
the singer falters, and the notes become scarcely audible, then suddenly reviving, as if 
in great joy, the song is resumed jn all its vivacity, until the bird at last really appears 
to be overcome with its efforts.” 
These birds have some other peculiar traits. On the ground they run 
instead of hop, as is the case with most Sparrows. Three or four may 
frequently be seen following each other after the manner of quails, run- 
ning with lowered heads, drooping wings, and expanded tail. In some 
parts of Illinois they are known as Quail-heads, probably from a super- 
ficial resemblance which they bear to that bird in coloration, and the 
habit above mentioned. In some localities they are called Road Birds, 
from their habit of running along roadsides and feeding in roads. 
Birds in trouble sometimes appeal to man for assistance. In the sum- 
mer of 1875, I was attracted by the singular movements of one of these 
birds, which flew before me, frequently alighting, as if endeavoring to 
draw me away from itsnest. Following it for a short distance, it circled 
several time around a garter snake, which f killed, when the bird perched 
upon a fence stake and filled the air with his grateful notes. I was still 
more than ever convinced that the nest or young of the bird were near, 
and commenced search. During my unsuccessful search the bird disap- 
peared. Returning to the spot where the dead snake lay, I gave it a toss 
with my stick, which was immediately followed by the reappearance of 
the bird, which exhibited more anxiety than ever. It flew at the snake, 
which it seemed to understand was now harmless, picked at and at- 
tempted to drag it. Going to the spot, I found the nest, and the snake 
partially coiled around it. Another toss, and I was again rewarded with 
a song. | c 
The nest of the Lark Finch is placed in a slight depression of the 
ground, sometimes, according to Mr. Ridgway, in trees and bushes. Dr. 
Brewer describes it as being nearly flat and very shallow, composed en- 
tirely of various grasses, loosely intertwined, but the nests which I have 
seen in this locality are neat, compact structures, with deep cavities, 
and composed almost entirely of fine dark rootlets, neatly lined with 
evass, and with some attempt at ornamentation about the rim. The 
