163 
The charge that it damages trees by picking off the buds may contain 
an element of truth, but cannot be seriously considered as a source of 
appreciable damage. 
515. Pine Grosbeak. FR.—LE GROS-BEC DES PINS. Pinicola enucleator. L, 9-08. 
Plate XXVIII B. 
Distinctions. From descriptions, the females of the Pine and Evening Grosbeaks 
might possibly be confused as they are both grey overwashed with yellow; but the yellow 
in the Pine Grosbeak is stronger, especially on head and rump, rather rusty instead of 
clear lemon, and is superimposed on the body colour instead of seeming to show vaguely 
through. The dark bill of the species is also diagnostic. 
Field Marks. Size, dark grosbeak bill, and general red of adult males. The majority 
of the birds which visit Canada are in the dull female plumage, hence the general effect 
is that of a flock of large, dull slate-coloured birds warming to yellow on head and rump 
in favourite lights, accompanied by an occasional red individual. The ordinary notes 
are ridiculously small and fine for so large a bird, though it also has a clear, loud whistle. 
Nesting. In coniferous trees; in nest of twigs and rootlets. 
Distribution. As a species, confined to the northern parts of the northern hemi- 
sphere. The Canadian Pine Grosbeak breeds in the coniferous forest of the north, west 
to the Mackenzie river, migrating to settled sections only in winter. 
SUBSPECIES. There are several subspecies in Canada, the eastern form, the 
sree Pine Grosbeak P. e. leucwra, being the only one which comes within the scope 
of this work. 
These are irregular winter visitors from the north. Their presence 
with us can rarely be anticipated, though they may occur any winter 
almost anywhere in eastern Canada. They are frequenters of coniferous 
trees, but are fond of Mountain Ash or Rowan berries and the fruit of 
the sumach. 
Economic Status. As the Pine Grosbeak spends the summer in the 
northern woods and only visits settled sections in winter, the damage 
it can do is reduced to a minimum. It eats wild and waste fruit left 
hanging on the trees so that its economic effect is too slight to be appre- 
ciable. It has been accused of destroying fruit buds, but the damage it 
thus does, if any, is very slight. There is every humanitarian reason for 
protecting the species and no serious charge can be brought against it. 
517. Purple Finch. HEFLING. FR.—LE PINSON POUPRE. Carpodacus purpureus 
L, 6-22. Plate XXIX A. 
Distinctions. Size and general coloration of male are distinctive. Female is streaked 
in olive-browns, but the general evenness of the olive cast to the coloration, and abundance 
of streaks below are quite characteristic. The bill is rather larger for the size of the bird 
than in other species except the Grosbeaks. 
Field Marks. Size, general coloration, sometimes resembling a small Pine Grosbeak, 
and striking song are the best field marks. 
Nesting. In coniferous trees; in nest of twigs, grass, and rootlets. 
Distribution. As a species it occupies all America between Mexico and Canada. 
In eastern Canada it extends north to the extreme limit of regular settlement. Along 
the cs borders it is a regular winter visitor breeding less commonly than farther 
north. 
SUBSPECIES. The Purple Finch is represented by two subspecies; the eastern 
Canadian form, Eastern Purple Finch, is the type of the species. 
‘ 
The Purple Finch, though so-called, is not purple; “‘magenta’’ would 
better describe its coloration. It is one of our finest songsters and is 
occasionally caged for that purpose. Like its allies, the Pine Grosbeak 
and the Crossbills, when kept in captivity it loses the bright redness of 
its plumage and assumes a ruddy yellow, so peculiar and characteristic 
that escaped caged birds can be recognized on sight. The song is a con- 
