581. Melospiza cinerea melodia. 6 1/4 inches. .

This is probably the best known, most abundant and most widely distributed (in its numerous sub-species) of all our birds. They are quite hardy and many of them winter in the northern states, but the majority go farther south, returning to their summer homes about the first of March. They may be found anywhere where there are bushes, vines or hedges, and very often about houses, even in large cities.

Song. - Very pleasing and musical, strongly resembling brilliant measures from that of the Canary.

Nest. - Of grass, either on the ground or in bushes; three to five bluish-white eggs, profusely spotted with brown (.80 x .58).

Range. - Eastern N. A., breeding from Virginia and Missouri north to southern Canada. Winters from Massachusetts and Ohio southward. Many local races are found west of the Rockies, but only one east of there. 581j. Dakota Song Sparrow (juddi) is found in the vicinity of Turtle Mountains, North Dakota; it is said to be lighter above and brighter below.