BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. Ill 



70. Curvirostra Americana, Wils. — Red Crossbill. 

 Irregular in its visits ; the same laws regulate its appear- 

 ance as govern P. Canadensis, and it is generally found the 

 same seasons. Frequents the pine woods. More numer- 

 ous in the winter of 18G2-63 than I have ever seen it 

 before ; it remained until April, when it was in full plu- 

 mage and in full song. In the autumn of 1868 some in- 

 teresting facts relative to the movements of this bird 

 came under my notice. During the latter part of August 

 it became quite numerous, and some specimens were in 

 immature plumage; this would seem to indicate that it 

 breeds in Massachusetts. Upon going to Albany, Maine, 

 later in the season, I was informed, by the farmers, that 

 in August the Crossbill had appeared in great numbers, 

 and had done great damage to the oats by eating them 

 and cutting off the heads. When the oats were harvested, 

 it disappeared ; and at that time (October 12th) there was. 

 not a single specimen to be found ! These were evidently 

 the birds that appeared in Massachusetts in the latter part 

 of August. Indeed, it passed south of Newton, Massa- 

 chusetts, as upon my return, in November, not a bird 

 was to be found ! It breeds in winter in Maine, during- 

 the month of February ; this statement is made upon the 

 authority of Mr. G. A. Boardman, who has taken their 

 nests and eggs at that time. It is also said to breed in 

 Massachusetts. 



71. Curvirostra leucoptera, Wils. — Whitwringed 

 Crossbill. Being more northern in its habits than the pre- 

 ceding, it is seldom seen in this section. Common dur- 

 ing the winter of 1868 - 69. On October 21st it appeared 

 in great numbers at Albany, Maine ; December 3d it was 

 found at Ipswich, Massachusetts, where it feeds upon the 

 seeds of the beach-grass ; a few days later it was seen in 

 Newton in large flocks. It remained until late in April. 

 Perhaps breeds. I obtained a specimen on June 13, 1866, 



