RED CONSPICUOUS IN PLUMAGE 481 
The saucer-shaped nest of this species is placed in 
the top of a tall fir and is nearly always inaccessible. 
Twelve days are required for incubation, and as soon as 
the young are able to care for themselves the brood and 
adults move higher up the mountain in the wake of 
summer. 
The song of the Cassin Finch is rich and melodious, 
of a softer quality than that of the California purple 
finch, but less varied. Its call-note is a clear “ cheep.” 
519. HOUSE FINCH, OR LINNET. — Carpodacus 
mexicanus frontals. 
Famity: The Finches, Sparrows, ete. 
Length: 5.75-6.25. 
Adult Male: Upper parts brownish gray, tinged with carmine; back 
faintly streaked ; forehead, superciliary, and rump rose-pink or car- 
mine; throat and breast reddish; belly whitish, sharply streaked 
with brown. 
Adult Female: Upper parts grayish brown, faintly streaked ; under 
parts white, broadly streaked. 
Young: Similar to female ; upper parts more distinctly streaked ; under 
parts less distinctly streaked ; wing-coverts tipped with buffy. 
Geoyraphical Distribution: Western United States from Rocky Moun- 
tains to Pacific coast ; from Oregon to Mexico. 
California Breeding Range: Chiefly below Transition zone, in suitable 
localities throughout the State. 
Breeding Season: April, May, and June. 
Nest: A compactly woven cup; composed of grass and vegetable fibre ; 
placed in evergreens, palms, and other trees and shrubs about the 
house. 
Eggs: 3 to 6; pale blue, nearly white, thinly speckled with black. Size 
0.80 X 0.55. 
THE House Finch is popularly known throughout 
California as the Linnet, and is one bird for whom the 
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