GENERAL NOTES. 



Some Notes on the Redpolls of Dunx Cor;NTY. Wis. — Redpoll, 

 Acayithis h'rjaria. — A regular winter visitant, but much more abundant 

 some winters than others. This was fully verified the past winter of 

 1895-6, when they first appeared about November 13, and increased in 

 numbers until mid-winter, when thousands might be seen in a flock feed- 

 ing on the various rank weeds of neglected fields, preference being given 

 to the pigweed. The Redpolls roost in oak trees among the dried leaves 

 that still remain on the lower branches, and are off to the fields at the 

 first indications of day. The last were seen April 16, in small numbers. 

 They were much more musical and restless during March and April. 

 The red on rump and breast of the males was somewhat brighter during 

 these months, and nearly all males showed slight traces of it on cheeks 

 and breast. The greatest length of this species of more than one hun- 

 dred specimens measured, was 5.65, shortest, 5.20 inches. 



Greater Redpoll, Acayithis linaria rostrata. — This species was first 

 seen January 9, 1896, and eight specimens taken from a small flock ac- 

 companied by about an equal number of Unaria. They were feeding 

 on the seeds of water pepper that grew in abundance on a tract of low 

 timber-land. Thirty specimens of this variety were examined during the 

 winter, all but two of which were taken in this same woods, and nearly 

 always in small flocks, with more or less of the first species. They were 

 generally darker in plumage, bill shorter and thicker, and of a larger 

 size. They may be readily distinguished from linaria at a short distance 

 when feeding. The voice resembles that of li7iaria, but is coarser and 

 louder. Greatest length of males measured was 6.20 inches. Shortest 

 length of males measured was 5.85 inches. Greatest length of females 

 measured was 5.90 inches. Shortest length of females measured was 

 5.80 inches. Last seen March 26. 



Holboell's Redpoll, Acanthis li^iaria holboellii. — Of this variety 

 three specimens were taken. One January 22, 1896, one March 25, 1896, 

 and one April 3, 1896. All were identified by Dr. A. K. Fisher and Prof. 

 Ridgway, through the kindness of Mr. Lynds Jones, to whom I am also 

 indebted for the identification of rostrata and exilipes. The first was 

 shot from the top of a maple tree, also a specimen of linaria was killed 

 at the same shot, no others being near. The last two specimens were 

 taken from quite large flocks of linaria, while on the ground, their darker 



Li-^1 



