64 BIRDS OF FIELD, FOREST AND PARK 



These birds are about five and one-half inches in 

 length. 



Crossbill. When you first see the Crossbill 

 you are quite sure he is deformed, so peculiar is 

 the appearance of the bill. But when you see the 

 bird feeding upon the cones of spruce, pine or 

 hemlock, the seeds of which constitute their 

 food, you are quite convinced that this bill is 

 the most perfect instrument that could be de- 

 vised for the use to which they put it. No other 

 distinguishing mark is needed than the warped 

 bill, the mandibles of which cross when closed. 



Red-winged Crossbill. This is a permanent 

 resident in the most Northern States, a winter 

 visitor farther south, but very erratic in his 

 wanderings. When feeding, they climb about 

 like little parrots, which they resemble some- 

 what in form, color and movements. They are 

 usually in flocks, except when nesting, and when 

 in flight utter a sharp cheeping note. They 

 nest early and consequently their young are 

 full grown when other birds are still incubat- 

 ing. Last year, in August, I saw them in large 

 flocks, young and old, among the evergreens at 

 Pemaquid, on the coast of Maine. They were 

 singing a pleasing warble slightly suggestive of 

 the Pilrple Finch, but a much less meritorious 

 performance. 



The general color of the male is Indian-red, 

 lighter on the rump. The wings and tail are 

 brownish. The female has dull olive-green 

 where the male is red, with darker shades on 

 the head and neck. The under parts are light. 

 They breed from the Northern States north- 



