Plate XLIIL 



ASTRAGAUIVUS TRISJIS-American Goldfinch. 



The American Goldfinch, Lettncebircl, Thistlebird, or Yellowbird, as this species is varionsly called, 

 is a permanent resident of the State, but it is more abundant in summer than in winter. 



The nest is constructed between the fifteenth of June and the last of July. The latter month is 

 the usual time. Exceptionally the nest with eggs has been found in May and also in September. 



LOCALITr: 



In the countr}^, a small tree, bush, or tall weed growing in a cultivated field, along a road, or about 



the edge of a woods, is the usual site for the nest. In towns it is commonly built in a shade-tree or in 



the garden shrubbery. Uplands and valleys arc both frequented. The birds are particularly partial to 



sections having small creeks or spring-branches, and, accordingly, the nest is to be looked for in such 

 localities. 



positio:n" : 



The nest is commonly placed in an upright crotch, formed by two or more small branches; but it 

 may be in various other positions. It is, however, alwa3'S situated so that the base and sides are in con- 

 tact with supporting branches. Its distance from the ground varies from three to thirty feet; ten feet 

 being about the usual height when in a tree, and four feet when in a bush. 



MATERIALS : 



Grasses, fibres, straws, weed-stems, catkins, bits of leaves, cobweb, and similar materials, varving in 

 different localities and with the taste of the builders, make up the foundation. The fibres, web, and 

 grasses are securely wrapped around the supporting branches. Fine material of the same kind, together 

 with plant-down from the thistle or milk-w^eed, and other soft vegetable downs, compose the superstruc- 

 ture. The lining is generally a soft, compact layer of slender fibres and plant-down ; sometimes, also, 

 horse-hairs are used. Wool, cotton, and threads are occasionally used when obtainable. The complete 

 structure is neat and cozy. Externally it ordinarily measures about three and one-fourth inches in diam- 

 eter by two and one-half in height, but the position chosen sometimes necessitates a considerably larger 

 or smaller exterior. The cavity is qnite uniform, rarely varying more than one-eighth of an inch from 

 one and seven-eighths inches in diameter, or more than one-fourth of an inch from one and one-half 

 inches in depth. 



EGGS: 



The complement of eggs is commonly five, sometimes four or six. The shell is unmarked, and, Mdien 

 freshly blown, is slightly bluish-green tinted. In time the tint fades some, but a tinge of it always 



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