452 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



Cruz, lie thinks it probable it will be found to be a resident of that dis- 

 trict. 



Lake Superior has been stated to be its most eastern point of occurrence, 

 but, though this may be true as a general rule, several instances of the 

 accidental appearance of this nomadic species much farther to the east are 

 known. On February 14, 1871, Mr. Kumlien, while out in the woods with 

 his son, saw a small flock of these birds in Dane County, Wisconsin. There 

 were six of them, but, having no gun, he did not procure any. Later in the 

 season he again met with and secured specimens. In the following March, 

 Dr. Hoy of Eacine also obtained several near that city. He also informs me 

 that during the winter of 1870-71 there were large flocks of these birds 

 near Freeport, 111. One person procured twenty-four specimens. One season 

 he noticed them as late as May. They frequent the maple woods, and feed 

 on the seeds fallen on the ground. They also eat the buds of the wild cherry. 

 Their, visits are made at irregular intervals. In some years not a single indi- 

 vidual can be seen, while in others they make their appearance in December 

 and continue through the whole winter. 



Specimens have also been obtained near Cleveland, CTlno, and at Hamilton, 

 Canada ; and Mr. Thomas Mcllwraith states that Mr. T. J. Cottle of Wood- 

 stock, Ontario, shot several of these birds in his orchard in the month of 

 May. They were quite numerous, and remained about the place several 

 days. 



Genus FINICOLA, Vieill. 



Pinicola, Vieillot, Oi.s. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 4, pi. i, f. 13. 

 " Strobilophaga, Vieillot, Analyse, 1816." 

 "Corytlms, Cuviek, R. An. 1817." 



Char. Bill short, nearly as high as long ; upper outline much curved from the base ; 

 the margins of the mandibles rounded ; the commissure gently concave, and abruptly d<'- 

 flexed at the tip ; base of the upper mandible much concealed by the bristly feathers cov- 

 ering the basal third. Tarsus rather shorter than the middle toe ; lateral toes short, but 

 their long claws reach the base of the middle one, which is longer than the hind claw. 

 Wings moderate ; the first quill rather shorter than the second, third, and fourth. Tail 

 rather shorter than the wings ; nearly even. 



Of this genus one species is found in northern America, and is now con- 

 sidered as identical with that belonging to the northern regions of the Old 

 World. 



