FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. 811 



REDPOLL 



The Redpoll might properly be called the American 

 linnet. In general habits and appearance these birds resem- 

 ble little sparrows, but they have the distinctive undulating 

 flight possessed by the goldfinch, and a little call note which 

 accompanies each downward swoop. Like the Bohemian 

 waxwings and American crossbill,' their summer home is in 

 the fur countries, but occasionally they have been known to 

 appear in the northern portions of New England. During 

 severe winters they may be observed about the Great Lakes 

 region of Illinois and Indiana, about the same time we look 

 for the hardy pine grosbeak or jolly snowflake and the 

 wary raven. Their appearance in the Central States is 

 unquestionably due to the scarcity of food in more northerly 

 latitudes. They are familiar birds, and resort to our gar- 

 dens and orchards to feed on grass and weed seed. Easily 

 tamed, they make interesting pets. 



The eggs of this species found in collections, like those 

 of the snowflake, usually come from Iceland. I have four 

 eggs which were taken from a nest of grass and moss, lined 

 with hair and feathers. 



GOLDFINCH 



The names Goldfinch and Wild Canary are applied 

 indiscriminately by the casual observer to a score of differ- 

 ent birds when some yellow warbler chances in the path of 

 an inexperienced but enthusiastic bird admirer, 



