OF NEW ENGLAND. 175 



less severe winters in Eastern Massachusetts, but in doing so 

 usually frequent swamps of cedar-trees, or retired places where 

 seeds and berries are sufficiently abundant. The "Linnets" 

 generally arrive here from the South on the first of April or 

 earlier, but sometimes not until May, and then appear in the 

 open country, when the males and females often congregate 

 in small flocks, usually feeding upon the buds of various trees. 

 The males are not at this time of the year in full dress, and 

 perhaps on this account, if these birds may be supposed to 

 have human vanities, are often alone or apart from the females. 

 They are, however, in full song, and, perched on some high 

 branch, sing loudly, as if under the delusion that winter dis- 

 appears in April. 



When much startled, the " Linnets " usually fly for some 

 distance at a considerable height. In May they usually be- 

 come very abundant, and also mischievous, since they " feed 

 on the stamina of various fruit-blossoms." They also gather 

 in large flocks on the ground, where, not unfrequently in com- 

 pany with the Goldfinches or other members of their family, 

 they pick up various seeds and perhaps other food. They are 

 summer-residents throughout New England, though less com- 

 mon to the northward, and frequent principally cultivated or 

 open lands, though occasionally to be met with in woods. 

 Their song may not unfrequently be heard in September, when 

 most other birds do not sing. In October they become quite 

 rare, and finally, usually before November, forsake their sum- 

 mer-haunts. Those seen here in the former month are very 

 possibly migrants from the North. 



(d). The music of the Purple Finch is a warbled song, which 

 would be monotonous, were it not sweet, mellow, and full- 

 toned. Both sexes sing. In autumn they often give utter- 

 ance to a few notes, which recall those of the Blue Bird. Be- 

 sides their customary " chink," which they utter particularly 

 when on wing, they have a variety of less important notes. 

 The most pleasing of these is their " pewee," which is often 

 softly repeated by the females, and the most striking a single 

 whistle, to be heard chiefly or wholly in autumn, and which 

 recalls that of the Great-crested Flycatcher. 



