452 



NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



Cruz, he thiuks it probable it will be found to be a resident of that dis- 

 trict. 



Lake Superior has been stated to be its most eastern point of occurrence, 

 but, though this may be true as a general rule, several instances of the 

 accidental appearance of this nomadic species much farther to the east are 

 known. On February 14, 1<S71, Mr. Kumlien, while out in the woods with 

 his sou, saw a small tlock of these birds in Dane County, Wisconsin. There 

 were si.x of them, but, having no gun, he did not procure any. Later in the 

 season he again met witli and secured specimens. In the following March, 

 Dr. Hoy of Eacine also obtained several near that city. He also inibrms nie 

 that during the winter of 1870-71 there were large flocks of these birds 

 near Freeport, 111. (Jne person procured twenty-four specimens. One season 

 he noticed them as late as ]\Iay. They fre(iuent the maple woods, and feed 

 on tlie seeds fallen on the ground. They also eat the buds of the wild cherry. 

 Their visits are made at irregular intervals. In some years not a suigle indi- 

 vidual can be seen, while in others they make their appearance in December 

 and continue through the whole winter. 



Specimens have also been obtained near Cleveland, Ohio, and at Hamilton, 

 Canada ; and Mr. Thomas McIIwraitli states that Mr. T. J. Cottle of Wood- 

 stock, Ontario, shot several of these birds in his orchard in the month of 

 May. They were quite numerous, and remained about the place several 

 days. 



Genus PINICOLA, Vieill. 



Pinicola, Vieillot, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 4, jil. i, f. 13. 

 " Slrobilopluiya, Vieillot, Analyse, 1816." 

 "C'mijthits, CuviEit, R. Au. 1817." 



CinR. Bill .'ihort, nearly as liijrli as lonjr : upper outline much curved from the ba.'ie ; 

 tlie margins of the mandibles rounded ; the commissure gently concave, and abruptly do- 

 flexed at the tip ; base of the upper mandible much concealed by the bristly feathers cov- 

 ering the basal third. Tarsus rather shorter than the middle toe ; lateral toes short, but 

 their long claws reach the base of the middle one, which is longer than the hind claw. 

 Wings moderate ; the first quill rather shorter than the second, third, and Huuth. Tail 

 rather shorter than the wings ; nearly even. 



Of this genus one sjjecies is found in northern America, and is now con- 

 sidered as identical with that belonging to the northern regions of the Old 

 World. 



