Gambel Sparrow
554a. Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelt. 6½ inches.
This bird, a favorite with the people of the northwest, has been rightly called the “Northern Nightingale.” Their sweet song may be heard all during the day about dwellings or remote from them, or even in the night they have a habit of awakening and giving out the same sweet notes. In habits they much resemble the above, feeding upon the ground among the dead leaves in search of seed and insect food.
Nest.—This is placed on the ground in a clump of grass, and is made of fine grasses; four to six eggs of a pale greenish blue color, spotted and splashed with shades of brown (.90 ×.65).
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW.
557. Zonotrichia coronata. 7 inches.
The crown of white in the above is replaced with a golden color. These are common birds about the cities of California during the winter months. Habits the same as above, and also their eggs.