34 WEST VIRGINIA [W. VA. 



consideration at the hands of the ^farmers. Generally harmful. 

 Destroys some insects, but not enough to amend its other evil habits. 



529. American Goldfinch (Astragalinus tristis). Male and fe- 

 male. In the winter the male assumes somber colors similar to 

 those of the female and young. 



Geog. Dist. Temperate North America, east of the Rocky Moun- 

 tains. 



W. Ya. Dist. Abundant everywhere and at all seasons, though 

 not quite so common in winter. I have found this species particu- 

 larly common in the mountainous portions of the state. 



Nest Builds its nest rather late in the summer. Often chooses 

 orchard or shade trees as nesting site. Three to six pale bluish 

 white eggs. A common breeder in West Virginia. 



Food Weed seeds, especially those that are furnished with down, 

 as the dandelion and thistle. Many insects. It has been recorded 

 that the Goldfinch sometimes feeds on the Hessian fly. Destroys 

 millions of plant lice eggs. 



540. Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus). Male and female. 

 Often called "Grassfinch" or " Bay-winged Bunting". A songster of 

 unusual ability. 



Geog. Dist. Eastern North America to the Plains, from Nova 

 Scotia and Ontario southward. 



W. Va, Dist. Not at all common on Ohio River bottoms. Else- 

 where in the state, with the exception of some of the highest parts, 

 I have found this delightful bird in abundance. To be looked for 

 in old pasture fields. 



Nest Builds nest on the ground. Spotted eggs. 



Food Grasshoppers form the principal food in mid-summer. 

 Insects of many kind are destroyed by this bird. Weed seeds also 

 enter into its bill of fare. 



542a. Savanna Sparrow (Ammodramus $andwichen$is savanna}. 

 Male and female. 



Geog. Dist. Eastern United States, northward. 



W. Va. Dist. Very rare in our state. Only one record so far 

 as the writer can determine. 



Nest On the ground. 



Food Beetles, ants, and cut-worms. Destroys some weed seeds. 



