549. Ammodramus caudacutus. 5 3/4 inches.

Back of head greenish; sides of head, breast and flanks buff with black streaks; tail feathers sharp.

Salt marshes along the seacoast or along streams emptying into the ocean are the dwelling places of these finches. They creep about like mice in the salt grass, now running across an open space, now threading their way through the upright stalks.

Song. - A rather weak, squeaky trill.

Nest. - Of seaweed and marsh grass, attached to the grass stalks several inches above ground and often covered by a mass of dry seaweed. Eggs greenish white specked with brown (.78 x .56).

Rang'e. - Atlantic coast of the U. S.