The American Goldfinch 



293 



female bird (iiffer ? When does the male bird begin to asssume the summer or breeding 

 dress? when the winter dress ? How long does it take to make the change ? Is there any 

 change in the plumage of the female bird ? What is a molt ? Do any birds change the 

 color of their plumage without molting ? What is such process called ? Describe the 

 plumage of young birds at the time they leave the nest. Descriptions should be based on 

 observations made in the field from the living bird, when possible. Wi.en does the song 

 period commence ? How long does it continue? Does the female have a song? What is 

 the alarm note ? The flight note ? Give size of Goldfinch, shape of body, wings, tail, bill, 

 feet. What are the habits during different seasons of the year ? W^hat is meant by gre- 

 garious ? By nomadic? Are there any peculiarities of flight? During what portion of 

 the year are Goldfinches found in your locality ? Do they breed in your locality ? Describe 

 the nest in detail, materials used, size, etc. 



(Note. — If an occupied nest of the Goldfinch is found, the locality should be de- 

 scribed in detail in a note-book, the kind of tree, height of nest from ground, etc. After 

 the nest is abandoned it should be secured, properly labeled, and kept in the class-room 

 for examinarion and comparison.) When do the Goldfinches nest in your locality? What do 

 Goldfinches eat? (Note. — This question will be answered best from personal observation.) 

 Name and describe trie plants from which seeds are taken. Name and describe the insects 

 eaten. Is the bird doing good or harm ? To whom, and how ? 



GOLDFINCHES IN THE MAKING 



