noble: avifauna of Newfoundland. 557 



28. Loxia curvirostra percna Bent. 

 Newfoundland Crossbill. 



One adult male, and four young of both sexes, Nicholsville and 

 Hobley Hills, July 10th to July 27th. 



The Newfoundland Crossbill represents one of the best local races 

 which has been described from Newfoundland. Its large bill is one 

 its most distinguishing features. 



Flocks of Crossbills were observed flying over the Humber on many 

 different evenings. It was only on rainy days that these birds could 

 be secured. At these times the birds flew low, and when once alighted 

 seemed loth to leave their perch. 



29. Loxia leucoptera Gmelin. 

 White-winged Crossbill. 



One adult and one immature male, Nicholsville, and Hobley Hills, 

 July 20th and July 26th, 



The one immature specimen is much darker than any of the juve- 

 nile specimens of the species which I have been able to study. A 

 microscopic examination of the barbules shows that this darkness is 

 not due to staining from balsam or dirt. The markings themselves 

 are darker. The one adult male has a greater development of black 

 in proportion to its warm tones than has the average bird from the 

 mainland. Still a larger series of Newfoundland birds may show 

 that these differences are only tendencies and not worthy of sub- 

 specific distinction. 



30. Spinus pinus (Wilson). 

 Pine Siskin. 



Four adult males and three immature of both sexes from Deer Lake, 

 Nicholsville, and Port au Port, July 1st to August 31st. 



This little Finch does much to enliven the vast stretches of burnt- 

 over country which today cover so much of Newfoundland. With 

 Lincoln's Sparrow and an occasional Woodpecker, it affords the only 

 sign of life throughout a large part of the Upper Humber region. 



