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Sparrow (He is not a true Field Sparrow)

He is not a true Field Sparrow, but prefers old pastures dotted with clumps of bushes or young cedars. There is something winning in his appearance; he seems such a gentle, innocent, dovelike little bird. His song is in keeping with his character, being an unusually clear, plaintive whistle, sweeter to the lover of birds' songs than the voice of the most gifted songstress. It is subject to much variation. Not only do the same individuals sing several different songs, but two individuals in the same locality rarely sing alike. There is also much variation in the songs of birds from different regions. For this reason it is quite impossible to give a description FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. of the song which will apply throughout the bird's range. However, an average song consists of the syllables chěr-wēē, chěr-wēē, chěr-wēē, cher-wee, chēē-o, de-de-de-de-de, the last notes joined in a trill. This gives, of course, no idea of the quality of the Field Sparrow's song, but to be convinced of its rare beauty one need only hear it as the sun goes down and the hush of early evening is quieting the earth. The WESTERN FIELD SPARROW (563a. Spizella pusilla arenacea) has been recorded from the vicinity of New Orleans. 567. Junco hyemalis (Linn.). JUNCO; SNOWBIRD. Ad. 8.-Upper parts, throat, and breast grayish slate-color; upper parts more or less washed with grayish brown; belly white, sides grayish; no wing-bars; tail fuscous, the two outer feathers and part of the third white; bill flesh-color. Ad. .- Similar, but the upper parts browner, throat and breast paler. Young in first plumage resemble the adults, but have the upper parts, throat, and breast streaked with black. L., 6.27; W., 3:03; T., 271; B., 41.