244 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



Carpodacus pnrpurens, Gray. 



The Purple Finch is very abundant in Eastern 

 Pennsylvania during the autumnal and winter 

 months. It has been observed by us from early 

 October until the middle of April, but never during 

 the breeding-season, from which fact we are led 



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to infer that it migrates. It may possibly breed 

 among the Wissahickon hills, but if so, at that 

 time it becomes so shy and retired, doubtless, 

 building; in some sequestered nook seldom visited 

 by human footsteps. Many and diligent explora- 

 tions have utterly failed to reveal to us the slightest 

 evidence of its presence during this period. 



On its return early in the autumn, it is eminently 

 gregarious; but in January and February when 

 there is a paucity of food-stuffs, as was the case in 

 the winter of 1875, tne flocks dissolve into pairs 

 which forage together. These pairs in all cases 

 where an opportunity is afforded for determina- 

 tion, are invariably composed of the sexes. 

 When mild weather returns and there is a 

 growing increase in articles of diet, these re-unite 

 into flocks of six or more. In this manner they 



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retire. 



This Finch is exceedingly tame, coming about 



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our cloors and mingling with the Snow Birds and 

 Sparrows for a share of the scraps that are dis- 

 carded by man; and is even found among our 

 common fowls receiving its part of the cracked 

 corn. 



