THE WILLOW GOLDFINCH. “2 
INOt 325 
WILLOW GOLDFINCH. 
A. O. U. No. 529b. Astragalinus tristis salicamans (Grinnell). 
Synonyms.—CALIFORNIA GOLDFINCH. ‘“‘YELLOW-BIRD,” etc. 
Description.—Similar to A. t. pallidus, but wings and tail shorter and colora- 
tion very much darker; adult male in summer plumage has tinge of pale olive- 
green on back, while winter adults and young are decidedly darker and browner 
than corresponding plumage of 4. t. pallidus. Wing (of adult male) 2.75 (70) ; 
tail 1.73 (44). 
Recognition Marks.—As in preceding but decidedly darker and browner, 
especially in winter. 
Nesting.—As in 4. t. pallidus. 
General Range.—Pacific coast district from Lower California (Cerros Id.) 
north to British Columbia. Has been taken at Okanagan Landing, B. C. 
(Brooks ). 
Range in Washington.—Not common resident on West-side only, chiefly in 
cultivated valleys. 
Authorities.—Chrysomitris tristis Bon. Baird, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv. IX. 
Topo etet22" party Cero, 1b2. Kb! Ra, Kile Bi EH: 
Specimens.—(U. of W.) Prov. B. E. 
GOLDFINCHES are a bit of a rarity on Puget Sound. Of course we 
see them every season, and one may see a great deal of a particular troop, 
once its general range is ascertained; but, taken all in all, the bird is not 
common. Neither Cooper nor Suckley saw this Goldfinch, altho particularly 
wondering at its absence. ‘The clearing of the forests and the cultivation of 
the soil is conducive to its increase, however; and there is every reason to 
believe that we are seeing more of it year by year. 
There has-been a warm discussion as to the subspecific validity ot the 
Willow Goldfinch, but those who see birds of this form in late winter or early 
spring cannot but be impressed with the striking brownness of its plumage, 
as well as by the more extensive white upon the wings, as compared with 
the eastern bird. Beyond its partiality for willow trees, it has no further 
distinguishing traits, unless, perhaps, it may be reckoned less tuneful, or noisy. 
