a THE ALASKAN PINE GROSBEAK. 
It is not a little surprising at first thought, that the habits of these birds 
are best known in our larger cities, Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and Portland. 
Why they should be especially attracted to them, it is hard to say, unless it be 
that they love the din of urban life, which they help so valiantly to promote. 
But it is easy to see why they are more noticeable there; for their showy 
and patchy coloration marks them as distinguished visitors in town, whereas 
in the forest their colors so melt into and harmonize with their surroundings 
that it is difficult to follow their movements. 
These Grosbeaks, or New World Hawfinches, are not to be commended 
as horticulturists. In winter they feed largely upon the ground, gleaning 
fallen seeds and fruits; and are especially fond of the winged key of the large- 
leafed maple (Acer macrophyllum). ‘They drop down to such a feast one by 
one from the branches above, and it is amusing to note how the loud cracking 
of seeds is interspersed with music. A little later the birds devote themselves 
to swelling buds, and here too the maple is a favorite; tho ash, alder, flowering 
currant, and a dozen more are not disdained. The damage done is not 
considerable; for the birds, viewed in the large, are not numerous enough, all 
told, to be taken seriously ; but viewed in the concrete, the snip, snip, of those 
mandibles in the lilac bushes is no idle joy. 
It may be that the key of high C sharp, or whatever it be, staccato con 
moto, is the accepted love note, and that the green-liveried swain hurls 
declarations at his enamorata, like Samson in Handel’s oratorio, the live-long 
year. Anyway, his exertions are redoubled in early June, and he charges about 
in a reckless frenzy which should make the city gape. June, 1906, was 
memorable to us for the abundance of these Grosbeaks in the vicinity of 
Spokane. The very air of Cannon Hill and Hangman’s Creek seemed charged 
with expectation of Grosbeaks’ nests. But they were not for us. Nor has 
the nest yet been taken in Washington. 
No. 24. 
ALASKAN PINE GROSBEAK. 
A. O. U. No. 515c. Pinicola enucleator alascensis Ridgway. 
Synonym.—PInkE BULLFINCH. 
Description.—Adult male: In highest plumage rosy red (poppy red) ; back 
with dusky centers of feathers; lower belly and under tail-coverts ashy gray—this 
high plumage is the exception; in general the rosy gives place to ashy gray in 
varying proportions; wings and tail ashy dusky; tips of middle and greater 
coverts and outer edges of exposed tertials white (or rosy). Bull dusky; feet 
blackish. Adult female: Similar to male but rosy replaced by dingy yellow (vary- 
