1899 ] VAN DEITBURGH — BIRDS OF SANTA CLARA CO., C \L. 169 



Carpodacus piirpurcus californicus. California Purple Finch. 



This purple finch is at no time common. Individuals or little 

 companies, however, occur all through the year. I regard them as 

 stragglers from the redwoods near the coast, though some may, 

 perhaps, breed in localities where conifers have been planted. 



Carpodacus mexic amis frontalis. House Finch. 



The linnet or redhead is probably our most abundant bird in 

 spring and summer, but in winter is outnumbered by certain migra- 

 tory species, such as the robin and the Zonotrichias. It does 

 great damage to fruit, being especially fond of cherries, peaches 

 and figs. It begins to lay about the middle of April, though eggs 

 may sometimes be found a little earlier (April 9, 1888), and lays 

 one tgg each day until the set is complete. The number of eggs 

 varies from three to six, but usually is four or five. I have 

 known three broods to be raised in one nest in one year. Nests of 

 the previous year not infrequently are relined and used, as are also 

 those of other species, such as the brown towhee. The labor of 

 nest building falls entirely on the female, but the male accompanies 

 her on all her trips for material and sings almost constantly with 

 great power and fervor. He, however, takes no part in incubation, 

 and little or none in feeding the young, at least while they remain 

 in the nest. 



The following notes show, among other things, the period of 

 incubation : 



April 14, 1887. Found a nearly completed nest of the house 

 finch. 



April 15, 16. Female continued work on nest. 



April 17. One ^gg. 



April 18. Two eggs. 



April 19. Three eggs. 



April 20. Four eggs. 



April 21. Five eggs. 



May 3. Four young birds and one ^gg. 



May 4. Five young. 



July 14, 1899. House finches began a nest in a vine. 

 July 15. Nest building was continued. 



July 16. Female carrying lining materials. Male always accom- 

 panies her, but carries nothing. 



July 17. One tgg. Female sitting at night. 



