168 
have fed and examine it closely without being impressed with the amount 
of good work they have done. Their tracks are seen everywhere in the 
snow and every little weed-top seems to have been scrutinized with micro- 
scopic eye. Considering their numbers and that they come in the coldest 
weather, it is evident that their presence must have a marked deterrent 
effect upon the following season’s weed crop. 
529. American Goldfinch. THISTLEBIRD, WILD CANARY. FR.—LE CHARDONNERET 
JAUNE. Astragalinus tristis. L, 5-10. Plate XXX A. 
Distinctions. In summer, male with its strongly contrasting yellow body and black 
wings, tail, and cap is most characteristic. In winter, the colours are less distinctive 
but there is always a suggestion of yellow about the throat, head, and back, if not else- 
where, and the wings and tail remain a decided black though with more or less buffy or 
white edgings on wing bars. 
Field Marks. Inhabit, disposition, and the general quality of their notes, winter Gold- 
finches resemble Pine Siskins or the Crossbills. They can be distinguished from the 
former by their lack of streakiness and from the Crossbills by the absence of red, lighter 
coloration, and white rump. 
Nesting. Nest of grasses and plant down lined with the latter. 
Distribution. As a species, throughout the United States and southern Canada 
north to the limits of settlement. The Eastern Goldfinch extends west to, and inclu- 
ding, Manitoba. 
SUBSPECIES. The American Goldfinch is divided into three recognized subspecies, 
only one of which, the Eastern Goldfinch, the type form, occurs in eastern Canada. , , 
One of the merriest of summer birds, sometimes remaining through 
the winter in the more southern parts of Canada. It is a great lover of 
fluffy white thistle and dandelion seed-heads and can often be seen plucking 
the down, cutting off the fruiting end, and letting the airy tops float away on 
the wind. Itssongis as pleasant as its bright appearance as it sits on some 
lone elevation and sings ‘‘ sweet-sweet-chewit-chewit-chewit ’’ or goes speeding 
off through the air with a merry flock with their cheerfully repeated per-chic- 
o-pee. The American Goldfinch, though a relative of the Old World bird 
of the same name, is an entirely different species, named, as the original 
settlers named many birds, from various fancied or real resemblances to the 
familiar forms known at home. 
Economic Status. A bird of no bad habits and many good ones. 
Weed seeds are its staple food, but grain is rarely touched. If the House 
or English Sparrows do not exhaust the supply prematurely, sunflower 
seed heads are a neverfailing attraction to Goldfinches and a supply of 
these along the back fence will ensure their constant attendance through the 
autumn and winter. Insects are taken more or less and some fruit, usually 
wild species, as no complaint is made of any damage done to cultivated 
varieties. 
533. Pine Siskin. FR .— LE CHARDONNEERT DES PINS. Spinus pinus. L, 5 
Small, goldfinch-like birds striped with olive-brown on a dull white ground sometimes. 
slightly tinged with yellowish; lighter below and with a lemon-yellow spot and 
suffusion on the wings. 
Distinctions. General streakiness and suffused yellow wing spot. 
Field Marks. Goldfinch-like habits and voice and general streakiness. 
Nesting. In coniferous trees; nest of twigs and rootlets lined with plant down. 
Distribution. The north coniferous woods across the continent, migrating to settled 
districts in winter and locally breeding there. 
A winter visitor to the more southern sections of Canada. Very fond 
of coniferous evergreen trees. 
