382 SINGING BIRDS. 



This species, according to Richardson, inhabits the dense 

 white spruce forests of the fur countries, feeding principally on 

 the seeds of the cones. It ranges through the whole breadth 

 of the continent, and probably up to the 68th parallel, where 

 the forests terminate. It is usually seen in the upper branches 

 of trees, and when wounded still clings so fast as to remain 

 suspended after death. In September, collecting in small 

 flocks, they fly from tree to tree in a restless manner and make 

 a chattering noise ; and in the depth of winter they retire from 

 the coast to seek shelter in the thick woods of the interior. 



This interesting bird must still be written " irregular" in its oc- 

 currence in Massachusetts, though usually more or less abundant 

 in winter down to the 40th parallel, and occasionally ranging as far 

 south as Virginia. 



It is partially sedentary in northern New England and the Mari- 

 time Provinces of Canada, though much more abundant in winter 

 than during the warm weather. Mr. Mcllwraith considers the bird 

 a winter visitor only to southern Ontario, and Mr. Thompson makes 

 a similar report for Manitoba though he thinks it may breed there. 

 The nest is built in January and February, — I have known of 

 numerous nests being discovered in New Brunswick in those 

 months, — and it is probable that both young and old retire farther 

 northward after the young birds are able to fly. 



The flight of the Crossbills is undulating, like the flight of the 

 American Goldfinch, and their songs are similar. They sing on 

 the wing, and as a flock passes overhead on a clear winter's day 

 their sweet voices come through the quiet air with pleasing effect. 



