_Melospiza melodia melodia. Case 2, Fig. 34; Case 4, Fig. 42_
Streaked below, with a conspicuous spot in the
center of the breast.
_Range._ Most of North America, the eastern form
west to the Rockies, nesting from Virginia and
Missouri to Canada and wintering from Illinois and
Massachusetts to the Gulf.
Washington, common P.R., abundant T.V., Mch. and
Oct. Ossining, common P.R. Cambridge, very
abundant S.R., Mch. 10-Nov. 1; locally common W.V.
N. Ohio, P.R., abundant in summer, common in
winter; Glen Ellyn, common S.R. Feb. 12-Nov. 2.
SE. Minn., common S.R., Mch. 16-Nov. 11.
If the so-called 'English' Sparrow is the European Sparrow, the Song
Sparrow is the American Sparrow. He is found in every State and from the
Valley of Mexico to Alaska. He is abundant, musical, and familiar and
probably better known than any other member of his family native to this
country. His is one of the first birds' songs to be heard in the spring,
and the last in the fall, and when in midsummer, the adults, while
molting, are silent, the rambling, formless song of the young may be
heard.
Usually the Song Sparrow is found near water and not far from bushes
into which he flies when alarmed. Then we hear his characteristic
call-note, an impatient _chimp_, _chimp_, unlike that of any other of
our Sparrows. The nest is built on the ground and the 4-5 bluish white
brown-marked eggs are laid late in April.