228 BIRDS OF NORTH CAROLINA 



nuptial molt. Ad. 9 .Very different, sparrowlike in appearance; upperparts dark grayish 

 brown, finely streaked with black; wings and tail dark grayish brown; underparts white, streaked, 

 or with wedge-shaped spots of fuscous. A whitish superciliary line. Im. &. -Similar to adult 

 female. L., 6.22; W., 3.24; T., 2.29; B., .45. 



Remarks. Females and young males bear a decided resemblance to some sparrows, but the 

 rounded bill, tufts of feathers over the nostrils, and forked tail are distinguishing characters. 

 (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) 



Range in United States. Eastern North America, breeding from northern United States 

 northward. 



Range in North Carolina. Whole State in winter, but may possibly breed in the mountains. 



FIG. 178. PURPLE FINCH. 



The Purple Finch, so called from the erroneous coloring given it in an early 

 plate of the species, is an irregular winter visitor in the central portion of the 

 State. Cairns recorded it as a spring transient in Buncombe County, giving the 

 following dates of its appearance: February 7, March 5 to May 5. Mrs. Donald 

 Wilson reports it as a winter resident at Andrews, in Cherokee County, much far- 

 ther south, giving for it the extreme dates of November 18 to April 28. In central 

 North Carolina it occurs more or less regularly from the last week of October to 

 the middle of April, and sometimes a little later, the latest spring date being April 

 30 and the earliest fall date October 27. Still later dates than any of the above are 

 May 9, 1908, at Highlands, a small flock observed by Sherman and C. S. Brimley, 

 and May 23, 1885, at Old Fort, a number observed by Brewster, who says they were 

 apparently not breeding, despite the lateness of the season. 



The Purple Finch is most commonly found in small flocks, feeding either on 

 buds or seeds of trees; sometimes it may be seen eating weed-seeds in open thickets 

 or on the ground. It is particularly partial to the seeds of the tulip tree, and also 

 enjoys the seeds and buds of elms. 



The nest is said to be built in small trees at no great height from the ground, 

 and is composed of weed stems, grasses, and similar materials, lined with hair, 

 being not unlike that of the Chipping Sparrow in its construction. 



Genus Loxia (Linn) 



This is a small genus of finches distinguished by the two mandibles being curved, 

 and crossed at the tips. Two species occur, but not commonly with us. 



