BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES 
241 
Plate XLL 
ASTRAGALINUS TEISTIS, (Linn.) Cab. 
4 
American Goldfinch 
The kange of the American Goldfinch is nearly co-extensive with 
the vast continent of North America. Its range seems to be, in a great 
measure, determined by the presence of the cottonwood, willow and the 
various compositaceous plants upon the seeds of which it largely depends 
for a living. From the Atlantic to the Pacific it is found, and northward 
from the Mexic borders to the fur countries of the British possessions. It 
is abundant both in Texas and the Indian Territory, but in the vicinity 
of Vera Cruz it seems to be a stranger, as no mention is made of it by 
Sumichrast. Dr. Newberry encountered it while passing through the 
inland portions of Oregon and California, remote from civilized life, and 
Dr. Coojier on the Columbia, and in maritime situations in close proximity 
to its mouth. Dr. Suckley was unable to find it about Puget Sound, 
although at infinite pains to discover its presence. Dr. Coues failed to 
meet with it in Arizona, and Mr. Ridgway was surprised at the notable 
scarcity of it in Central California. For the hot interior valleys of this 
State, as well as the cooler mountain ranges, it seems to affect great dis- 
like, although it was observed by Ridgway to be nesting in the Uintah 
Mountains. 
Generally, where it is found at all, it exists in great abundance. In 
some portions of its habitat it is not a permanent resident, but migrates 
southward with the approach of cold weather, only to resume its northern 
journey again with the recurrence of another spring. In British America 
it is a late summer visitor, and departs early in September. It is a 
