168 



have fed and examine it closely without being impressed with the amount 

 of good work they have done. Their tracks are seen everywhere in the 

 snow and every little weed-top seems to have been scrutinized with micro- 

 scopic eye. Considering their numbers and that they come in the coldest 

 weather, it is evident that their presence must have a marked deterrent 

 effect upon the following season's weed crop. 



529. American Goldfinch, thistlebird, wild canary, fr. — le chardonneret 

 JATJNE. Astragalinus tristis. L, 5-10. Plate XXX A. 



Distinctions. In summer, male with its strongly contrasting yellow body aiid black 

 wings, tail, and cap is most characteristic. In winter, the colours are less distinctive 

 but there is always a suggestion of yellow about the throat, head, and back, if not else- 

 where, and the wings and tail remain a decided black though with more or less buffy or 

 white edgings on wing bars. 



Field Marks. In habit, disposition, and the general quaUty of their notes, winter Gold- 

 finches resemble Pine Siskins or the Crossbills. They can be distinguished from the 

 former by their lack of streakiness and from the Crossbills by the absence of red, hghter 

 coloration, and white rump. 



Nesting. Nest of grasses and plant down Uned with the latter. 



Distribution. As a species, tliroughout the United States and southern Canada 

 north to the Umits of settlement. The Eastern Goldfinch extends west to, and inclu- 

 ding, Manitoba. 



SUBSPECIES. The American Goldfinch is divided into three recognized subspecies, 

 only one of which, the Eastern Goldfinch, the type form, occurs in eastern Canada. 



One of the merriest of summer birds, sometimes remaining through 

 the winter in the more southern parts of Canada. It is a great lover of 

 fluffy white thistle and dandelion seed-heads and can often be seen plucking 

 the down, cutting off the fruiting end, and letting the airy tops float away on 

 the wind. Its song is as pleasant as its bright appearance as it sits on some 

 lone elevation and sings " sioeet-sweet-cheivit-chewit-chewit " or goes speeding 

 off through the air with a merry flock with their cheerfully repeated per-chic- 

 o-pee. The American Goldfinch, though a relative of the Old World bird 

 of the same name, is an entirely different species, named, as the original 

 settlers named many birds, from various fancied or real resemblances to the 

 familiar forms known at home. 



Economic Status. A bird of no bad habits and many good ones. 

 Weed seeds are its staple food, but grain is rarely touched. If the House 

 or English Sparrows do not exhaust the supply prematurely, sunflower 

 seed heads are a neverfailing attraction to Goldfinches and a supply of 

 these along the back fence will ensure their constant attendance through the 

 autumn and winter. Insects are taken more or less and some fruit, usually 

 wild species, as no complaint is made of any damage done to cultivated 

 varieties. 



633. Pine Siskin, fr . — le chardonneert des pins. Spinus pinus. L, 5 

 Small, goldfinch-hke birds striped with ohve-brown on a duU white ground sometimes. 

 sUghtly tinged with yellowish; hghter below and with a lemon-yellow spot and 

 suflfusion on the wings. 



Distinctions. General streakiness and suffused yellow wing spot. 



Field Marks. Goldfinch-hke habits and voice and general streakiness. 



Nesting. In coniferous trees; nest of twigs and rootlets lined with plant down. 



Distribution. The north coniferous woods across the continent, migrating to settled 

 districts in winter and locally breeding there. 



A winter visitor to the more southern sections of Canada. Very fond 

 of coniferous evergreen trees. 



