Dark bluish slate all over, except lower breast and
belly, which are grayish white and form a vest. Several outer tail feathers white, conspicuous in flying. Female, with a more rusty cast and vest less distinct. Bill flesh-white, dusky at tip.
Song:
A crisp call note, a simple trill, and a faint whispering warble, usually much broken, but not without sweetness. (Bicknell.) Song sometimes heard before it leaves in spring.
Season:
Common winter resident; late September to April.
Breeds:
From the higher parts of the Alleghanies and northern New York and northern New England, northward.
Nest:
On ground, Sparrow-like.
Eggs:
4—6, White, peppered with reddish brown.
Range:
North America at large, but chiefly east of the Rocky Mountains; south in winter to the Gulf States.
