_Zonotrichia albicollis. Case 2. Figs. 45, 46; Case 4, Fig. 40_
The adults may be recognized at sight by their
white throat, but this character is less prominent
and sometimes almost wanting in young birds (Fig.
46) which will require close scrutiny. L. 6-3/4.
_Range._ Nests from northern New England and
central Minnesota northward; winters from southern
New England and Ohio to the Gulf.
Washington, very common W.V., abundant T.V., Mch.
18-May; Sept. 15-Dec. 16. Ossining, common T.V.,
Apl. 10-May 21; Sept. 20-Oct. 30; a few winter.
Cambridge, very common T.V., Apl. 25-May 15; Oct.
1-Nov. 10; a few winter. N. Ohio, common T.V.,
Apl. 1-May 21; Sept. 10-Nov. 7. Glen Ellyn, common
T.V., Apl. 9-May 26; Sept. 13-Nov. 7. SE. Minn.,
common T.V., Apl. 8-; Sept. 2-Nov. 13.
This clear-voiced whistler is known to many persons who have never seen
it. When anyone returning from the bird's summer range tells me "I heard
a bird sing like this," I know before he whistles a note that he will
probably imitate the White-throat. Fortunately the song has so much
character and its intervals conform so closely to those of our musical
scale, that a recognizable imitation of it is within the power of
everyone. There is much variation in the arrangement of the notes and
migrants never seem to sing with the power of nesting birds, nor do fall
songs compare in volume or execution with those of spring. The call-note
is a characteristic sharp _clink_.
The White-throat is abundant, migrating and wintering in companies which
frequent bushy places, hedgerows and undergrowth generally. The nest is
placed on the ground or in bushes in late May or early June. The eggs.
4-5 in number, are bluish white, speckled or blotched with brown.