THE MEALY REDPOLL. 295 
banks of their precipitous streams; in which sequestered situa- 
tions it breeds. The nest is built in a bush or low tree (such as 
willow, alder, or hazel), of moss and the stalks of dry grass, inter- 
mixed with down from the catkin of the willow, which also forms 
the lining, and renders it a particularly soft and warm receptacle 
for the eggs and young. From this substance being a constant 
material of the nest, it follows that the young are produced late 
in the season, and are seldom able to fly before the end of June or 
the beginning of July. The eggs are four or five in number: their 
color pale bluish-green, spotted with orange-brown, principally 
towards the larger end. In winter, the Lesser Redpoll descends to 
the lower grounds in considerable flocks; frequenting woods and 
plantations, more especially such as abound in birch or alder trees, 
the catkins of which yield it a plentiful supply of food. When 
feeding, its motion affords both interest and amusement; since, in 
order to reach the catkins, which generally grow near the extremi- 
ties of the smaller branches, it is obliged, like the Titmouse, to 
hang with its back downwards, and assume a variety of constrained 
attitudes: and, when thus engaged, it is so intent upon its work, as 
frequently to allow itself to be taken by a long stick smeared with 
bird-lime ; in which way I have occasionally captured it when in 
want of specimens for examination. It also eats the buds of trees, 
and (when in flocks) proves in this way seriously injurious to 
young plantations. Its call-note is very frequently repeated when 
on wing, and by this it may be always distinguished from the other 
species. ‘The notes it produces during the pairing season, although 
few, and not delivered in continuous song, are sweet and pleasing.” 
AAGIOTHUS CANESCENS. — Cabanis. 
The Mealy Redpoll. 
A giothus canescens, Cabanis. Mus. Hein. (1851), 161. 
? Fringilla borealis, Audubon. Orn. Biog., V. (1889) 87. 
DESCRIPTION. 
Size large; bill short; claws elongated; rump white (in the spring, male tinged 
with rose), never streaked; the quills broadly margined with white. 
Length, six inches; tail, three and seventeen one-hundredths. 
This bird occurs only as an exceedingly rare winter visi- 
tor in New England. I have never met with it myself, but 
