58 



AVIFAUNA COLUMBIANA. 



ters, when it appears in restless, roving flocks of greater or less ex- 

 tent. [207] 

 83. (118.) Chrysomitris pinus (Bartr.) Bp. American Siskin; Pine Linnet. 



A winter resident, rather uncommon. It is always in flocks with us, 

 and frequently associated with Goldfinches. Its period of arrival from 



Fig. 29.— Pine Linnet. 



the North is uncertain, depending much upon the weather ; it usually 

 remains until May. [212] 



84. (117.) Astragalinus tristis {Linn.) Cab. American Goldfinch; Yellow- 

 bird; Thistle-bird; "Brier-bird." 



A permanent resident, formerly exceedingly abundant, and still com- 

 mon, though sensibly diminished in numbers. This appears to be owing 

 in part to the reclamation of large tracts formerly waste and full of rank 

 weeds, partly to the multiplication of the English Sparrows. Gold- 



Fig. 30.— American Goldfinch. 



finches formerly bred all through the city, in the poplars and maples 

 shading the streets, where none are seen now. They are gregarious 

 out of the breeding season, collecting in large flocks about the 25th of 



