SNOWFLAKE. 
534. Plectrophenax nivalis. 7 inches. 
Adults in summer black and white; in winter, washed 
with brownish. 
When winter storms sweep across our land, these 
birds blow in like true snowflakes, settling down upon 
hillsides and feeding upon seeds from the weed stalks 
that are sure to be found above the snow somewhere. 
They are usually found in large flocks, and are very 
restless, starting up, as one bird, at the slightest noise, 
or continually wheeling about from one hill to another, 
of their own accord. 
Song.—A low twittering while feeding and a short 
whistle when in flight. 
Nest.—Of grass and moss lined with feathers and 
sunk in the spagnum moss with which much of Arctic 
America is covered. Three to five eggs, pale greenish 
white, specked with brown. Size .90 x .65. 
Range.—Breeds from Labrador and Hudson Bay 
northward; winters in northern United States. 
