122 University of California Publications in Zoology [Vou 30

May 31, containing two eggs; on June 4 it held a set of four. Other
nests were found on June 11, with four eggs (no. 1983), and on
June 12, with five eggs (no. 1984). These were all essentially alike
in structure and location. They were on the ground in rather damp
meadow land, in fairly open areas interspersed with thickets of willow
and dotted with tiny wild rose plants. The nests were well hidden
under tufts of grass, willow shoots, or roses.

One (no. 1983) measures 120 mm. outside diameter, 65 mm. inside
diameter, 40 mm. inside depth. The outer walls are mostly shreds of
bark and coarse (dry) grass stems, the lining is of fine grass and a
little horse hair.

Another nest (no. 1984) measures 110 mm. outside diameter,
65 mm. inside diameter, 35 mm. inside depth. The outer walls are
mostly shreds of bark, the lining is of fine grass and a little mammal
hair, mostly dog and mountain sheep (taken from a nearby carcass of
the first, and seraps of hide of the second).

On June 25 the first young birds appeared, but although the
species was common, relatively few spotted young were seen at any
time. The birds nested in fair abundance in gardens in the town of
Atlin, and in waste land between the houses, and more young birds
were seen there than elsewhere. On July 11 the first juvenile was
collected showing beginnings of the post-juvenal molt, which, roughly,
continues through the month of July. On August 6 a young male was
taken, still with many pinfeathers but with none of the juvenal
plumage left. By August 14 the young birds were practically through
the post-juvenal molt. Adults at that date were nearly all stubby-
tailed. A young female collected August 24 is in perfect first winter
plumage.

During the breeding season the Gambel sparrow was confined to
the lowlands, but soon after the beginning of the post-juvenal molt
there was a scattering of old and young that took many individuals
high up into the mountains. There they formed loosely connected
flocks in company with the golden-crowns, the beginning of an
association that in California we see carried on throughout the winter.

On August 29 the species was still abundant. It was last noted on
September 5, but as a number of the birds were seen on that date, some
probably lingered several days longer. Careful search on September
19, however, failed to disclose a single one.

Sixteen specimens were collected (nos. 44806-44821), fourteen in
juvenal plumage or in various stages of the post-juvenal molt, and
two in first winter plumage.