The Pine Siskin Breeding in Iowa 143 



Just a word about the eonstriictioii of this unusual nest. 

 It was of the modern Ijungalow type. The foundation was 

 rather loosely saddled on a pine bough about 15 inches from 

 its tip, and consisted of dead pine twigs and pieces of dead 

 weeds, grass, pieces of cord and roots were woven in to bind 

 the foundation more securely. Placed rather loosely upon 

 this was the real living apartment. This was made of finer 

 roots, horse hair, and cotton. It was round like the nest of 

 the Goldfinch, but only one-half as deep. The peculiarity of 

 this nest was the lack of connection between the upper part 

 of the nest and the lower. 



On account of the rainy weather and the overhanging 

 branches of the tree, it was impossible to see what kind of 

 food was fed the young. This we regret very much. We both 

 are hoping, however, that this pair of Siskins found Iowa such 

 a hospitable state that they will want to build and breed 

 here next year, and then Ave will endeavor to see just what 

 kind of baljy food they recommend. 



II. 



No Pine Siskins had been observed all winter (1913-14), 

 by the present writer, until March 2, when four were seen 

 up the Big Sioux river, feeding on the seeds of the common 

 sunflower {Helianthvs annuus L). 



They were next noted on March 16 on the college campus. 

 On this date a good sized flock was observed in the pine trees. 

 It was observed that on this date the pine cones were opening, 

 thus making the seeds accessible ; and upon these tlie Siskins 

 were feeding. Where had they been all winter, and how did 

 they manage to reach this spot on the very day the pine cones 

 opened ? 



From this time on, until the third week in ]\Iay, they could 

 be seen daily in small flocks of from three or four to a dozen. 

 On April 20 thirty-one were counted in one flock, and on the 

 23d this same flock had increased to more than fifty indi- 

 viduals. This large flock was seen almost daily for about two 

 weeks ; but after May 4 only scattered individuals were noted, 

 the last record being May 21. 



