WHITE-THROATED SPARROW
558. Zonotrichia albicollis. 6¾ inches
In thick underbrush we hear these birds scratching about among the leaves; occasionally one of them will hop up on a twig and give his clear peabody song, or, hearing or seeing you, give a sharp chirp and dash out of sight again. They are birds of the ground, always busy and always happy. I think that without any exception, they are the handsomest of our Sparrows, their colors are so rich and harmonize and blend together so well.
Song.—A high-pitched, very clear and sweet whistle, “pea-bo-dy-bird.” Call and note of alarm, a metallic chirp.
Nest.—Usually on the ground on the borders of woods or in swamps; of grass and leaves, similar to, but larger than, that of the [Song Sparrow]. Four or five eggs, pale greenish blue, thickly spotted with brown (.85 × .63).
Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies, breeding from northern U. S. to Labrador and Hudson Ray; winters in the southern half of U. S.
