RED CONSPICUOUS IN PLUMAGE 481 



The saucer-shaped nest of this species is placed in 

 the top of a tall fir and is nearly always inaccessible. 

 Twelve days are required for incubation, and as soon as 

 the young are able to care for themselves the brood and 

 adults move higher up the mountain in the wake of 

 summer. 



The song of the Cassin Finch is rich and melodious, 

 of a softer quality than that of the California purple 

 finch, but less varied. Its call-note is a clear '' cheep." 



519. HOUSE FINCH, OR lA^^KT . — Carpodacus 

 mexicanus frontalis. 



Family : The Finches, Sparrows^, etc. 



Length: 5.75-6.25. 



Adult Male: Upper parts brownish gray, tinged with carmine; back 

 faintly streaked ; forehead, superciliary, and rump rose-pink or car- 

 mine ; throat and breast reddish ; belly whitish, sharply streaked 

 with brown. 



Adult Female: Upper parts grayisii brown, faintly streaked ; under 

 parts white, broadly streaked. 



Young: Similar to female ; upper parts more distinctly streaked ; under 

 parts less distinctly streaked ; wing-coverts tipped with bufty. 



Geographical iJistrihution : Western United States from Rocky Moun- 

 tains to Pacilic coast ; from Oregon to Mexico. 



California Breeding Range: CliieJly below Transition zone, in suitable 

 localities throngliout the State, 



Breeding Seasan : April, May, and June. 



Nest: A compactly woven cup ; composed of grass and vegetable fibre ; 

 placed in evergreens, palms, and other trees and shrubs about the 

 house. 



Eggs: 3 to 6 ; pale blue, nearly white, thinly speckled with black. Size 

 0.80 X 0.55. 



The House Finch is ])opuIarly known throughout 

 California as the Linnet, and is one bird for wliom the 



31 



