ar to the last; eggs will not differ.

601. PAINTED BUNTING. _Passerina ciris._

Range.--South Atlantic and Gulf States; north to Illinois in the
interior.

Without exception, this is the most gaudily attired of North American
birds, the whole underparts being red, the head and neck deep blue, the
back yellowish green, and the rump purple, the line of demarcation
between the colors being sharp. They are frequently kept as cage birds
but more for their bright colors than any musical ability, their song
being of the character of the Indigo Bunting, but weaker and less
musical. They are very abundant in the South Atlantic and Gulf States,
where they nest usually in bushes or hedges at low elevations, but
occasionally on branches of tall trees. Their nests are made of weeds,
shreds of bark, grasses, etc., lined with fine grass, very much
resembling that of the Indigo. Their eggs are laid in May, June or July,
they frequently raising two broods; they are white or pale bluish white,
speckled with reddish brown. Size .75 x .55.

[Illustration 369: Pale bluish white.]
[Illustration: Lazuli Bunting.]
[Illustration: Pale bluish white.]
[Illustration: White.]
[Illustration: Varied Bunting.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]

Page 368

602. SHARPE'S SEED-EATER. _Sporophila morelleti morelleti_.

Range.--Eastern Mexico, breeding north to the Lower Rio Grande Valley in
Texas.

This peculiar, diminutive Finch is but 4.5 inches in length, and in
plumage is black, white and gray. In restricted localities in southern
Texas, they are not uncommon during the summer months. They build in
bushes or young trees at low elevations making their nests of fine
grasses or fibres, firmly woven together and usually placed in an
upright crotch. The eggs are pale greenish blue, plentifully speckled
with reddish and umber brown, and some markings of lilac. Size .65 x
.45. Data.--Brownsville, Texas, May 7, 1892. Nest of fine fibre-like
material lined with horse hairs, on limb of small tree in open woods
near a lake of fresh water; 6 feet above ground. Collector, Frank B.
Armstrong. This set is in the collection of Mr. C. W. Crandall.

603. GRASSQUIT. _Tiaris bicolor._

Range.--This small Finch is a Cuban species which casually strays to
southern Florida.

They are abundant on the island, building large arched nests of grass,
with a small entrance on the side. They lay from three to six white
eggs, specked with brown. Size .65 x .50.