LINCOLN SPARROW.
583. Melospiza lincolni. 5½ inches.
To be found most commonly in the central and western parts of North America, rare in the eastern part. In appearance they are very much like the Song Sparrow, but in their habits are more retiring, and keep more closely in the grass, and out of sight. They nest in tufts of grass within a few inches of the ground, or in a slight depression in the ground. The nest is made of twigs, roots and grasses. Their eggs are similar to the Song Sparrows; three or four in number, greenish white, heavily marked with brown (.80 × .58).
SHUMAGIN FOX SPARROW.
585a. Passerella iliaca unalaschcensis. 6½ inches.
These are large reddish brown sparrows, thickly marked with spots of darker brown on the back and under parts. They are to be found from Alaska to southern California.
Nest.—In low bushes near the ground. Four pale greenish eggs, marked with brown (.94 × .68).
THICK-BILLED FOX SPARROW.
585b. Passerella i. megarhyncha. 7¼ inches.
This is quite a little larger than the above, has a much thicker bill, and is to be found throughout California in the mountains.