Identifier: birdlifeguidetos00chapman (find matches)
Title: Bird-life; a guide to the study of our common birds
Year: 1897 (1890s)
Authors: Chapman, Frank M. (Frank Michler), 1864-1945 Seton, Ernest Thompson, 1860-1946
Subjects: Birds
Publisher: New York : D. Appleton and company
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Smithsonian Libraries

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t of white, is not worn by any other of our birds ; andwhile some species show white outer tail-feathers in flight,the Juncos seem to be more than usually conspicuous. Except when nesting, Juncos associate in loose Hocksof from ten to fifty. Generally you will find them feed-ing on the ground near evergreens, into which, when dis-turbed, tliey will fly with a twittering note. If they areexcited ))y your appearance you will hear a sharp, kissingcall; but if unalarmed they will utter a rapidly repeatedcheio-chew-chew, expressive of the utmost contentment.In March and April, before leaving for their summerhome in northern New England or the crests of theAlleghanies and Catskills, the Juncos sing a simple trillor low, twittering warble. Modest in manner and attire,there is nothing of especial interest in the J uncos habits,and only bird-lovers can understand what a difl^erence hispresence makes in a winter landseaj^e. It brings a senseof companionship ; it is a link between us and Nature.
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•■*■. 0 bcTiV i^ov/. Plate XLIX. TREE SPARROW. Length, 0.35 inches. Crown bright chestnut ; back black, reddish brown,and buffy ; under jiarts grayish ; sides washed with brownish ; a blackishspot in the center of the breast. 193 u 194 TREE SPARROW AND REDPOLL. The birds cheery twitter is as welcome as a raj of sun-light on a cloudy day. With the Jnncos we may often find a company ofTree Sparrows or Winter Chippies. They resemble our Tree Sparrow familiar Chipping Sparrow, but the.Sj)isti/a inoiiticoLa. blackisli dot in the center of their Plate XLix. breasts is a good distinguishing mark.Then, too, the true Chippies all leave for the South inNovember, while the Winter Chippies come in Octoberand remain until April. Tree Sparrows are sociable birds, with ajjparently thebest of dispositions. They are usually found in smallcompanies, each member of which seems to have some-thing to say. Watch them feeding on an old weed stalkleft nncovered by the snow. It bends beneath the weighto

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