The Song Sparrow is a member of a very large family. His near relations are found in many regions of the earth. In winter, fall and spring, he is with us to represent his kind, and a fine representative he is, with his good spirits and ever-ready song.

Field Marks: The red-brown line behind the Song Sparrow’s eye, combined with the tiny splash of black and brown which streaks his breast are two marks by which the bird may be identified. The larger blotch of color upon the breast is in the center of the “splash.”

Song: This Sparrow is a musician of fine ability. The call note is but a metallic “chip.” The homing song is worthy of the attention of any one who likes to hear good music in the out-of-doors. There is no one song but rather a combination of songs which are varied from time to time. The beginning of the song is usually of three sustained introductory notes. The following notes rise in rapid succession and are of a pure musical quality. The strain is a cheerful, simple melody.

Nest: The nest of the Song Sparrow is built either upon the ground or in bushes. It is made of coarse grasses, rootlets, dead leaves, strips of bark and similar materials. The eggs, four or five in number, are of a bluish white with brownish markings which are often so numerous that they conceal the underlying color.

Food: The diet of the Song Sparrow consists largely of the seeds of harmful weeds. It also feeds upon insects such as ants, beetles, and weevils. The beak of this Sparrow is comparatively large and strong. It is well adapted to open large seed pods in order to reach and eat the kernel within.

Henry Van Dyke has written a little poem about the Song Sparrow. The first stanza of the poem, from “Builders and Other Poems” is given here: