316 ANNALS OF BIRD LIFE. 



it obtains its food from the trees, whereas the 

 others seek their sustenance on the ground, where 

 the snow often buries the seeds. It appears to 

 become restless, however, in winter, and occasion- 

 ally wanders to the northern districts of Central 

 Europe, to Southern Siberia, Kamtschatka, and 

 the Northern States of America. 



Although the bill of the Pine Grosbeak is not 

 absolutely crossed, as in the Crossbills, the upper 

 mandible spreads considerably over the lower 

 one ; whilst the style of colouration, the various 

 changes of the plumage, as well as the bird's 

 general habits, all show its affinities with the 

 Crossbills. In many of its habits it reminds us of 

 the Hawfinch. It loves to frequent the same 

 kind of country open districts, where the trees 

 are scattered up and down in picturesque groves 

 rather than collected into forests, and is shy and 

 retiring, flitting quickly in an undulating, Finch- 

 like way from one tree-top to another, concealing 

 its showy dress as much as possible amongst the 

 foliage. Sometimes it may be noticed quietly 

 sitting on the topmost spike of a spruce fir. The 

 food of this bird is largely composed of fir-cones, 

 berries, and the buds of trees ; but in summer 

 this diet may be varied with insects, as is the 

 case with the other Finches. 



The short but sweet love-song of the Pine 

 Grosbeak begins in spring, and when two or 

 three birds are warbling in the same grove, the 

 effect is very pleasing and beautiful. The nest is 



