134 HOW TO STUDY BIRDS 



distinguished from all other sparrows by Its very pale, 

 bleached-out color. 



When a supposed flock of pine grosbeaks Is sighted, 

 one may entertain the hope that they will prove to be 

 the still rarer evening grosbeak. Once In a great 

 while there will be a winter when this species comes In 

 numbers across the Canadian border. It Is a beau- 

 tiful black-and-yellow or orange bird that one would 

 not fail to recognize. 



The parrotlike crossbills are about the only ones of 

 our winter-flocking birds among which we do not hope 

 to find greater rarities; they are of sufficient Interest 

 in themselves as they climb about among the cones, 

 using bills and feet like parrots. 



If a flock of '* blackbirds " is seen In winter, it may 

 prove to be one of European starlings. At present 

 they are mostly found from southern Connecticut to 

 New Jersey, but they are gradually and surely extend- 

 ing their range. It is characteristic to see a large 

 bunch of them clustered in the elms over a street and 

 to hear a chorus of high-pitched, rather faint whistles. 

 They also descend to feed In the streets and gardens, 

 but are shyer than their Imported predecessors, the 

 house or ** English " sparrow. Those who meet a 

 " blackbird with a yellow bill " have found the star- 

 ling. 



One boreal fellow who, though he does not flock, 

 deserves more than bare mention Is the northern 

 shrike. If one should see a solitary gray bird with 

 blackish wings, and tail, nearly as large as a robin. 



