GROSBEAKS, FINCHES, SPARROWS: Family Fringillidae [547] 



the State. The first mention of this bird in literature that can definitely 

 be assigned to this subspecies is that of Bendire (1877), who reported 

 finding it near Camp Harney, May 5, 1876. Since that time numerous 

 writers have mentioned it in various parts of the State. 



The Pale Goldfinch differs little in general appearance from the Willow 

 Goldfinch in the western part of the State in the summer plumage, except 

 that a series shows the yellow to be slightly paler. In the winter plumage, 

 however, there is a distinct difference between the two forms. The eastern 

 Oregon bird is then much paler, and the predominant color tone of its 

 back is olive or olive gray in contrast to the brown tint found in speci- 

 mens taken west of the Cascades. 



Regardless of subspecies, the behavior of the goldfinches is similar. 

 They are birds of the open, feeding by choice in thistle patches, on dande- 

 lion heads, or on other composites, taking a great variety of other seeds. 

 They remain in flocks long after many other species have established 

 nests. It is late June or early July before the birds take up breeding 

 activities seriously. Their wavelike flight, cheery calls, and bright 

 plumage, combined with the fact that they do feed and live largely in 

 the open, make them familiar to most people in the territory where they 

 are found. 



Willow Goldfinch: 



Spinus tristis salicamans Grinnell 



DESCRIPTION. "Adult male in summer: Except for shorter wings and tail scarcely 

 distinguishable from tristis [pallidus]; black cap, if anything, not so extended and 

 yellow not so intense; the white edgings on wings worn off so there is scarcely a 

 trace of white left. Adult female in summer: much darker than female of tristis 

 [pallidus], dull greenish yellow on throat instead of bright yellowish green. Young: 

 dark colored. Adult male in winter: similar to tristis [pallidus], but browner and with 

 much broader wing markings; back dark olive brown; sides and flanks shaded with 

 brown; throat bright yellow, shading to dull green on breast and to pure white on 

 belly. Adult female in winter: similar to male, but wings, tail, and throat duller; 

 bill dusky. Male: length (skins) 4.08-4.82., wing z. 60-2.. 89, tail i.yo-i.Sz, bill 

 .39-. 42.. Female: length (skins) 4^8-4.70, wing z^-z.yz, tail 1.70-1.79, bill .39- 

 -4Z." (Bailey) Nest and eggs: Same as for S. t. pallidus (Plate 90, 5). 

 DISTRIBUTION. General: Breeds from British Columbia south to Lower California 

 west of Cascades and Sierra Nevadas. In Oregon: Common permanent resident west 

 of Cascades. 



THE WILLOW GOLDFINCH is a common breeding goldfinch of western 

 Oregon and is equally common during the remainder of the year. It is 

 particularly abundant in the open valleys such as the Rogue, Umpqua, 

 and Willamette Valleys. In habits and behavior, it is identical with the 

 goldfinches throughout the United States. Like its eastern Oregon rela- 

 tive, it nests late. Records of numerous fresh or slightly incubated eggs 

 vary from June 15 to July 6. 



