130 ANNOTATED LIST OF 



142. Spinus tristis (LINN.). 529. 



American Goldfinch. 



An abundant summer resident. Breeds. Occasionally winters. 



143. Spinus pinus (WILS.). 533. 



Pine sivkiii. 



Seen occasionally during migrations. "Sometimes breeds in 

 great numbers along the outskirts of the Adirondacks." (Mer- 



144. Plectrophenax nivalis (LINN.). 534. 



Snowflake. 



A common winter visitor. 



145. Pyrgita domestica Cuv. ***. 



House Sparrow. 



A common resident. Breeds; raising several broods of six 

 young each in a season. The few which appeared here some years 

 ago (coming from those introduced into New York), have in- 

 creased to the hordes which now overrun the city, and have 

 extended into the country about. They have driven our native 

 insectivorous birds from their homes in our gardens, and have 

 filled their places so effectually that there is no prospect of their 

 ever returning, till the sparrows have been exterminated, or at the 

 very least largely reduced in numbers. The sparrows have been 

 able to do this, partly at least, by the assistance of mistaken 

 lovers of birds, who have built them houses and spread food for 

 their use. Thus directly encouraging a bird, undoubtedly inju- 

 rious, and indirectly assailing the birds which are beneficial. That 

 the public has gradually come to see its mistake there is no doubt, 

 and the hope of the lovers of our native birds is, that deprived of 

 protection and assistance, these foreign pirates may find it more 

 difficult to maintain themselves in the future, and that when the 

 public is fully educated on the subject, some strong measures may 

 be taken to destroy them. 



