422 LOXIA EUROPiEA. 



the plumage, in consequence of friction and the action of the 

 weather, are the abrasion of the tips and edges of the feathers, 

 and the fading of the tilits. The red has assumed a paler tint 

 on the head, while on the back it has become darker, the dis- 

 appearance of the tips of the barbules causing more of the 

 brown of that part to be seen. On the rump it is also lighter, 

 and on the fore-neck, breast, and sides is intermingled with 

 greyish-yellow, the part of the feathers next the tip being of 

 that colour. The dark brown of the wings has become consi- 

 derably lighter, and their red edgings have faded to greyish- 

 yellow. The following are the measurements of an individual 

 in this state. 



Length to end of tail 7i inches ; extent of wings ll^^^ ; 

 wing from flexure 4^^^ ; tail 2\^ ; bill in height at the base 6i 

 twelfths, in length along the ridge of upper mandible lOj 

 twelfths, along the edge of lower 9i twelfths; tarsus 8i twelfths; 

 hind toe 4i twelfths, its claw j% ; second toe 4^ twelfths, its 

 claw 3^ twelfths ; third toe -j^, its claw /^ ; fourth toe 4f 

 twelfths, its claw j%. 



Female in Summer. — At this season the fading of the plum- 

 age is more conspicuous in the female, which exhibits a bleached 

 appearance. The general tint of the upper parts is dull greyish- 

 brown, the central parts of the feathers only slightly darker ; the 

 rump yellowish-grey ; the wings and tail paler than in winter ; 

 the lower parts dull yellowish-grey, the tail-coverts as in winter. 



Length to end of tail 7 1^2 ' extent of wings 1 1 1^2 ; wing from 

 flexure 4 ; tail Sj% ; bill in height at the base 6f twelfths ; in 

 length along the ridge of upper mandible 10 J twelfths ; along 

 the edge of lower mandible I g ; tarsus ^% ; hind toe 4^ twelfths, 

 its claw 5i twelfths; middle toe j\, its claw 4i twelfths. 



These individuals are what may be called extra-sized, being 

 the largest that I have seen. 



Variations. — The variations which I have observed in adult 

 birds are not remarkable, excepting in regard to size, and espe- 

 cially that of the bill, which varies considerably in length, 

 curvature, and the degree of elongation of the lower mandible. 



