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Range (Atlantic coast breeds) (II)

Atlantic coast; breeds from Georgia to Massachusetts, and winters from Virginia to Georgia. Sing Sing, A. V.

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

Nest, of coarse grasses and reed stalks, lined with grasses, on the ground. Eggs, three to four, white or bluish white, clouded or finely speckled with cinnamon-brown, especially at the larger end, 80 x 63. Like most marsh-loving birds, Seaside Sparrows are so consistent in their choice of a home that it would be quite useless to look for them anywhere but in a marsh, and that a salt one, generally within sound or at least sight of the sea. The baymen call them "Meadow Chippies," and often when Snipe and Plover shooting I have drawn numbers to me by simply squeaking. They tipped all the reeds about my blind, chirping excitedly at the peculiar sound which aroused their curiosity. They pass much of their time on the ground among the reeds and grasses, but mount a stalk to sing their short, unattractive song of four or five notes. Sometimes they flutter into the air a few feet above the reeds and deliver their song while on the wing. The absence of distinct streaks on the breast and lack of rufous in their olivaceous or grayish plumage will distinguish them from the Sharp-tailed, Swamp, Savanna, or Song Sparrows, the only ones which are likely to be found in their haunts. 550a. A. m. peninsulæ Allen. SCOTT'S SEASIDE SPARROW.-Similar to the preceding, but much darker; prevailing color of the upper parts brownish black, the feathers margined with grayish olive-green; under parts more heavily streaked, the breast and sides streaked with black or blackish. W., 2.30; T., 2.00; B., 52.