Lark Finch (Chondestes grammica).—Rather common, chiefly in fields near roadsides.
White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys).—Became common about the middle of May.
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis).—Very abundant up to the middle of May, and a female was started among some bushes near the edge of the swamp about the 27th or 28th of the month, her actions and notes strongly suggesting a nest in the vicinity, but I was unable to discover one.
Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla).—A very common bird. Remarkable variations were noticed in the song of this species, several individuals repeating the usual song three times without stopping. Another had such peculiar notes that it was followed and shot for a strange bird.
Oak-woods Sparrow (Peucæa æstivalis illinoensis).—Rare, and observed only on one occasion, on the 26th of April. The locality was a “woods pasture,” about one-half cleared of trees, with occasional old logs and brush-piles on the open portion, and plenty of dead standing trees, the ground high and rolling. Immediately upon sighting the locality I thought of this bird, and at almost the same instant heard one sing. This one was shot, as he sat upon a brush-pile. Two or three others were heard at a distance, but I failed to discover them.
Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolni).—Very abundant about brush-piles in swampy clearings.
Cardinal Grosbeak (Cardinalis virginianus). By far the most numerous of the resident Fringillidæ, and one of the most abundant of all birds. It was a very common thing to hear several males singing at the same time, and I once saw three males and two females near together on the railroad track, picking up grain scattered from the cars.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Zamelodia ludoviciana).—Exceedingly common during the greater part of the month of May. The first were seen April 25. They were most numerous among the willows in the swamp, engaged in feeding upon a small green beetle (Diabrotica 12–maculata) which infested the trees. They were also common in the sugar-maple groves, and were in full song during their stay.
Blue Grosbeak (Guiraca cærulea).—A single specimen seen but not obtained (date forgotten).
Bronzed Grackle (Quiscalus purpureus æneus).—Very numerous, breeding among the willows in the swamp. The “love note” of this bird is decidedly more metallic and more musical than that of Q. purpureus.