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Range (Breeds from the Gulf States)

Breeds from the Gulf States northward to Kansas, southern Illinois, and North Carolina; winters in the tropics. FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC.

Nest, similar to that of P. cyanea, in bushes or low trees. Eggs, three to four, white or bluish white, with numerous chestnut or rufous-brown markings, 78 x 56. Mr. Maynard found this species in southern Florida in January, but it does not migrate northward until about May 1. He writes that it " is always shy and retiring, seldom appearing in the open, but remaining in the dense, thorny undergrowth which covers all waste places in Florida, especially if the soil has been cultivated. Whenever the birds perceive an intruder they retire into the depths of these fastnesses, and it requires considerable beating to drive them out, when they at once dart into the nearest cover. The adult males are especially shy, and seldom show themselves. Even while singing they remained concealed, and, although we were thus furnished with a clew to their whereabouts, it was with the utmost difficulty that we caught sight of the authors of the harmonious strains which nearly always greeted our ears when we were in the vicinity of their homes" (Birds of Eastern North America.) "Their notes very much resemble those of the Indigo-bird, but lack their energy and are more feeble and concise" (B., B., and R.). The GRASSQUIT (603. Euetheia bicolor) and the MELODIOUS GRASSQUIT (603.1. E. canora), West Indian species, have each been recorded once from the Florida Keys. 604. Spiza americana (Gmel.). DICKCISSEL; BLACK-THROATED