BIRDS OF THE. NORTHERN STATES 315 
This species is not native to this country but its ancestors were 
originally introduced from Europe in the belief that they would destroy 
certain insects. This they failed to do and their introduction has 
proved to be a mistake. They are found all over Europe and in parts 
of Asia and are the same species of sparrows which the Bible mentions 
in several places. 
529 American Goldfinch. Length 5 
inches. 
A very common, small, yellow-bodied 
bird with black cap, wings, and tail. The 
female is brownish above, and whitish 
washed with yellow below, and she is 
without the black cap of the male. Ex- 
cept when nesting, these birds are often 
seen in small flocks. In flight they de- 
scribe a wavy path, singing per-chic-o-ree. AMERICAN GOLDFINCH 
Their call, when perching, is sweet, sweet. 
The song of the American Goldfinch is very lively ; it reminds us of the 
canary’s, though it is less varied. The nest is built in bushes or trees. 
Common S.R. 
534. Snow Bunting. White Snowbird. Snowflake. Length 7 inches. 
May be readily known by the fact that its predominant color is white. 
The under parts are white; also 
much white on the head, wings, and 
tail. Upper parts rusty brown, parts 
of wings and tail black. These 
snowbirds come in flocks in winter, 
feed on seeds, and come to barn- 
yards when the fields are entirely 
ee ‘ mua) COVered withsnow. They are strictly 
Snow Buntinc ground birds and never perch on a 
tree. As soon as the snow melts at 
the approach of spring, they betake themselves again to the north to 
build their nest in the Arctic regions. Common W.V. 
