THE AMERICAN OR RED CROSSBILL 



Finch Family — Fringillidce 



LeTigth: A little over 6 inches; slightly larger than the English 

 sparrow. 



General Appearance: A small, plump red bird, with brown 

 wings, brown forked tail, and a bill crossed at the 

 tip. 



Male: Head and body a dull red, brownish on the back, and 

 bright red above tail; wings brown, without white 

 bars; tail brown and notched; bill with long strong 

 mandibles that are crossed somewhat like a parrot's. 



Female: Head and body dull olive, with a yellowish wash — 

 brightest on rump; head, back, and under parts mot- 

 tled with black. 



Gall-note: A short, clear, metallic whistle. 



Song: A gentle warble, varied, and agreeable to hear. 



Flight : Undulating. 



Habitat: Coniferous forests, preferably. 



Range: Northern North America. Breeds from central Alaska, 

 and northern Canada south to the mountains of Cal- 

 ifornia, to Colorado, Michigan, and in the AUegha- 

 nies of Georgia, occasionally in Massachusetts, Mary- 

 land, and Virginia. 



RED CROSSBILLS are truly the "Wandering Jews" 

 of the bird-world. They are erratic nomads, liv- 

 ing in flocks, and roaming where fancy leads or necessity 

 impels them. They pitch their tents and raise their 

 broods wherever they may happen to be sojourning in late 

 winter or early spring, even though many miles south of 

 their natural breeding places. Dr. Elliot Coues writes: 



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