88 INSESSORESB. 
are very fond. They move about with great nimble- 
ness among the close, thick-set branches of the Firs, 
and when perched upon a cone will often stand upon 
one foot while they use the other in conveying the 
food to the mouth, somewhat after the manner of the 
Parrots. The plumage of the males is mostly a fine 
light yellowish red, intermingled with olive brown ; 
they vary much according to age and other cireum- 
stances, and it is 
very difficult to pro- 
cure two birds in one 
flock that are pre- 
cisely similar. In 
the White-winged 
Crossbill this differ- 
ence is not so ob- 
servable, the mark- 
ings being always 
more distinct and 
the colors stronger. 
With the exception 
of the wings and tail, 
the whole body is of 
a rich crimson, in-. 
terspersed with olive 
and black; the wings and tail are black, the former 
being crossed with bars of pure white. This bird 
does not winter so far to the southward as the former 
species, at least it seldom makes its appearance in the 
latitude of Philadelphia, appearing to enjoy a eolder 
and more northern or mountainous range. Its habits 
White-winged Crossbill. 
