FRINQILLID^ — THE FINCHES. 495 



defined ; in the breeding-season the plumage assumes a burnt appearance, 

 the dark tints intensify and spread, so that sometimes the upper parts appear 

 almost uniformly dusky ; the bill appears larger, in consequence of the less 

 development of its basal tufts, than in winter. In this dusky summer condi- 

 tion these birds form the ufE. fnscesccns and ^. rostrntiis of Coues, the latter 

 being the summer plumage of var. holholli, the former that of var. linariv.s. 

 In the series of over two hundred examples examined, all midsummer speci- 

 mens are in the plumage of fuscescens or rostratus, while the latter is not 

 seen in any autumnal, winter, or spring birds. 



Specimens of the var. Iwlholli have been received from Quebec, collected 

 by Mr. W. Couper. 



Habits. Accepting as variations due either to locality, latitude, or season 

 the differences already referred to in the idumage of this species, it is not 

 necessary to consider the question of races in connection with our story of 

 their habits. We possess but very little information as to tlieir peculiarities 

 as races in these respects. Treating, then, the Lesser lled-Poll, though ap- 

 pearing in four differing phases, as one species, we claim it to be common to 

 the northern portions of both hemispheres. 



It is found throughout northern North America from the Atlantic to tlie 

 Pacific, is abundant in the boreal regions of Europe, and probably of Asia 

 also. On the Pacific coast, Dr. Cooper has observed it only as far south as 

 Washington Territory. Farther north it is much more abundant. Mr. Ban- 

 nister found it common at St. Michaels, both in summer and in winter. At 

 Nulato Mr. Dall found this species very common in winter, and very little 

 less so in summer. He states that the nest is usually lined with hair, and 

 covered externally with moss, dry grass, and like materials, built in bushes, 

 near the ground. They begin to build the 15th of May. The eggs are laid 

 about the 1st of June, and the young are Hying near the end of July. 

 The young of tlie first year are dark, with a small patch of Ijrown on the 

 breast. After their second year the males increase the amount of rose- 

 color on the head and breast, and the very old birds are quite brilliant in the 

 breeding-season. At St. Michaels, where there are no trees and very few 

 bushes; these birds frequently build their nests in the grass. 



Mr. Dall states that this bird has no song, but that their cheerful twitter- 

 ing and chirping, their fearless and sociable ways, their bright plumage and 

 elegant nests, are quite enough to make them general favorites. 



Pichardson found this neat and hardy little bird one of the few permanent 

 residents of the fur countries, where it was seen, in the coldest weatlier, on the 

 1 tanks of lakes and rivers, hopping among the reeds or clinging to their stalks. 



Mr. Lord found this species a rare bird in British Columbia. It was found 

 in swampy places, where the alders grew thickly, and wliere there were large 

 water-plants. To these it clings, pecking at their seed-pod.s, or, searching the 

 remaining flowers, feeds upon any insects they may contain. Their song he 

 describes as a soft and pretty warble, coming in bursts, the singer perching 



