A TRIBE OF WEED WARRIORS 211 



" They are capricious birds when on their travels, 

 sometimes letting you come very near them without 

 showing a sign of fear, then suddenly taking flight 

 and dashing about in a distracted way. They are also 

 tardy in getting back to their piney homes sometimes, 

 and choose their mates on the journey, unlike most 

 birds. Very often a thoughtless couple are obliged 

 to camp out and build a home wherever they happen 

 to be, so that their nests have been found in several 

 of the New England States." 



" Is there only one kind of Crossbill in North 

 America ? " asked Rap. 



" No, this Red Crossbill has two cousins ; one with 

 two white bars on each wing, called the White-winged 

 Crossbill, who sometimes travels with him, but is rarer ; 

 and another who lives in Mexico." 



The American Crossbill 



Length about six inches. 



Beak crossed at the tips, but looking like a Parrot's if you do not 

 notice how the points cross. 



Male : general color Indian red, with dark wings and tail. 



Female : general color dull olive-green, with wings and tail like 

 the male's. 



A Citizen of the North, making winter excursions all through 

 the United States. 



THE AMERICAN GOLDFINCH** 

 (The Jolly Bird, or Thistle Bird) 



" This must be my other bird," said Nat, '' the yellow 

 one from the wild grass meadow, who had what looked 

 like a little black velvet cap tipped down over his eyes. 

 They are such jolly little chaps that it made me laugh 

 ** For Purple Finch, conspicuous for its rosy colours against the 

 snow, as well as its spring song, see page 434. 



