Birds of Massachusetts. 161 
are placed on trees or tall bushes, and constructed 
externally of dry leaves and other rubbish, with a 
lining of fine grass, hair or down. Audubon speaks 
of its nest as covered with lichens, glued on with 
saliva; the nests here have no such disguise. He 
also speaks of the eggs, which are from four to six 
in number, as white, tinged with bluish, and speckled 
with reddish brown. Here, the eggs are white. 
A year or two since, I saw one, in a large flock 
of goldfinches, which was distinguished from the 
rest by plumage partly flaxen and partly white. At 
a little distance it appeared like a snow white bird. 
The Pine Finca, Fringilla pinus, comes occa- 
sionally from the north in winter, and sometimes 
proceeds as far as’ the southern extremity of the 
Union ; .but the first approach of spring drives them 
back to their northern home. In the state of Maine 
they abound in the cold season, and are sometimes, 
though not regularly, seen here. Their flight resem- 
bles that of the goldfinch, with rising and falling 
inflections, and their note is said to be similar and 
equally sweet. Where they rear their young has not 
yet been discovered. 
The Lesser Reprore, Fringilla linaria, is an 
occasional visiter in winter. Flocks have been seen 
as far south as Philadelphia; but they come at un- 
certain, and generally distant intervals, and very lit- 
tle is known concerning either their habits or their 
song. 
VOL. III.—NO, I—II. 21 
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