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Chipping Sparrow
Adult--Upper parts streaked with black, rufous gray, and buff; top of head rufous; under parts light gray. Length--5.37.
The young are without the rufous crown, and with streaks on the breast in first plumage.
Breeding Range--Throughout the Eastern States.
The nest is composed chiefly of fine grass and fine roots, with hairs for lining. It is shallow, and is placed in vine, bush, or tree, at a height from the ground of from one to twenty-five feet; there are very exceptional instances of the nest being on the ground.
3 to 5 eggs are laid; they are rather light blue, tinged with green, with few fine spots, and sometimes fine scrawls of light and dark purplish brown at the larger end. Size--.70 x .51. Plate D.
These common little sparrows are well known as being of a social disposition, breeding usually in the immediate vicinity of a dwelling, and often building their frail nest in the vines that grow against the house. When in captivity they lose to a great extent their sociable qualities, and are, therefore, not very desirable pets. The eggs are laid early in May, and usually two broods are reared during the season.