BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 111 
70. Curvirostra Americana, Wits. — Red Crossbill. 
Irregular in its visits ; the same laws regulate its appear- 
ance as govern P. Canadensis, aud it is generally found the 
same seasons. Frequents the pine woods. More numer- 
ous in the winter of 1862-63 than I have ever seen it 
before ; it remained until April, when it was in full plu- 
mage and in full song. In the autumn of 1868 sume in- 
teresting facts relative to the movements of this bird 
came under my notice. During the latter part of August 
it became quite numerous, and some specimens were in 
immature plumage; this would seem to indicate that it 
breeds in Massachusetts. Upon going to Albany, Maine, 
later in the season, I was informed, by the farmers, that 
in August the Crossbill had appeared in great numbers, 
and had done great damage to the oats by eating them 
and cutting off the heads. When the oats were harvested, 
it disappeared ; and at that time (October 12th) there was 
not a sinyle specimen to be found! These were evidently 
the birds that appeared in Massachusetts in the latter part 
of August. Indeed, it passed south of Newton, Massa- 
chusetts, as upon my return, in November, not a bird 
was to be found! It breeds in winter in Maine, during 
the month of February ; this statement is made upon the 
authority of Mr. G. A. Boardman, who has taken their 
nests and egys at that time. It is also said to brecd in 
Massachusetts. 
71. Curvirostra leucoptera, Wits. —Whate-wingal 
Crossbill. Being more northern in its habits than the pre- 
ceding, it is seldom seen in this section. Common dur- 
ing the winter of 1868-69. On October 21st it appeared 
in great numbers at Albany, Maine; December 3d it was 
found at Ipswich, Massachusetts, where it feeds upon the 
seeds of the beach-yrass ; a few days later it was seen in 
Newton in large flocks. It remained until late in April. 
Perhaps breeds. I obtained a specimen on June 13, 1866, 
