PASSERINE BIRDS. 



87 



The American and some of the Indian Cross-bills differ considerably from such as are found 

 with us. Those in America are remarkable for the smallness of their size, and may be considered as 

 the dwarfs of the family. The Cross-bills always inhabit pine-forests, as their food consists entirely 

 of the seeds of the pine, fir, and larch ; they are consequently more numerous in the north than in 

 the south, seeing that in northern latitudes these trees are met with over a far wider extent of country 

 than elsewhere. They are seen almost annually in Germany, but only when the seeds of the above- 

 mentioned trees are ripe. When the cones are abundant they visit in great numbers many places where 

 they have not been for years, appearing at irregular intervals, and not confining themselves to any 

 particular localities. Should the situation be suitable, they will proceed at once to breed, otherwise 

 they merely tarry for a short time, and then pass on to a more desirable resting-place. The most 

 favourable spots in the woods are soon taken possession of to serve as their head-quarters, from whence 

 they fly over the surrounding country, returning to settle upon the same trees in the evening. They 

 are very social, living in pairs in the breeding season,, but even during that period will sometimes 

 associate in considerable numbers. Their nests are made among the branches of fir-trees, and there 

 they disport themselves gaily, climbing nimbly, and assisting their movements, as parrots do, with 

 their beaks. They will hang for minutes together head downwards, clinging to a twig or cone, 

 seeming to enjoy this apparently uncomfortable position. Their movements, when on the wing, are 

 undulating and rapid, but they never fly to any great distance. The pleasure they experience in the 

 society of their mate is often testified by fluttering over the tops of the trees as they sing, after which 

 they hover for a time, and then sink slowly to their perch. In the daytime they are generally in 

 motion, with the exception of a short time at noon. During the spring, summer, and autumn, they 

 pass their time in flying from one plantation or mountain to another. In winter, if the cold is 

 extreme, they remain much longer in their sleeping-place, only coming abroad after tire sun has warmed 

 the earth, though they commence their song early in the morning. At this season they make their 

 first appearance about ten o'clock, and are soon busily employed in search of food ; about two o'clock 

 they become quieter, seek food again at four o'clock, and then go to roost. The Cross-bill troubles 

 itself but little about the other inhabitants of the woods, and is almost fearless of man, whom it is 

 very evident it has not learnt to regard as an enemy. Should a female be shot, its mate will remain 

 sorrowfully perched upon the branch from which his little companion has fallen ; or again and again 

 visit the spot where she was killed in the hope of finding her ; indeed, it is only after repeated proofs 

 of the treachery of mankind that he begins to testify any symptom of shyness. When placed in a 

 cage, the Cross-bills become exceedingly tame, appearing entirely to forget the loss of their freedom, 

 and grow so fond of those they are with as to obey them in everything, allowing themselves to be 

 touched, or even carried about the room on the hand, and demonstrating their confidence in a variety 

 of ways, so that the inhabitants of mountainous districts are usually much attached to these gentle 

 little creatures. 



The call-note of the Pine-tree Cross-bill, common to both sexes, is " Gop, gop," " Gip, gip," 

 " Yock, yock." This is uttered either whilst flying or when at rest; and so gentle is its sound, that the 

 listener must be quite close to the tree in order to hear it ; indeed, he might imagine the bird to be 

 at a considerable distance, till, on glancing upwards, he beholds it perched just above his head. 

 The cry of the Fir Cross-bill is shriller and weaker than that of the Large-beak. Those who have 

 heard both species can scarcely mistake them. No sooner does one of them utter the sound of 

 " Gip, gip," than all the rest become attentive, and generally fly away together, if the first bird sets 

 the example ; and if, whilst they are eating, other birds pass by, their cry of "Gip, gip," is intended 

 as an invitation to join the party and partake of the meal. Should one be at a distance from the rest, 

 the almost incessant cry of " Gop " will bring it back ; it is also the signal for the whole flock to 



