Redpoll 89 



other name than the "Shiner," an appellation which I never 

 heard elsewhere. In June the male is in his most brilliant 

 plumage and can hardly be outrivaled by any of our bright- 

 colored birds. In August he sheds his yellow feathers, becomes 

 a dull olive similar to the female, and remains in that garb 

 throughout the Winter. Small flocks of Goldfinches spend 

 the Winter hereabouts, but they keep in well sheltered places 

 and are not often seen, though their faint call notes can be 

 heard in the coldest weather. For some reason not thoroughly 

 explained, the Goldfinch defers nest building until very late, 

 the little cup-like structures rarely being found earlier than the 

 first of July. The nest is placed in a fork of a tree, or 

 bush, from five to twenty-five feet from the ground. The eggs 

 are white. The Goldfinch has a faint warble which sounds 

 somewhat like an echo of a Canary. 



Redpoll. — Acanthis linaria. 5.31 



Irregular Winter Visitant 



Field marks. — Ground color sparrow-like; crown deep red; 

 chin black; rump, breast, and upper belly washed with 

 rose. 



I have never seen this bird in this part of the country, but 

 am told by careful observers that it occasionally invades 

 Albany County in cold Winters. 



