177 



SUBSPECIES. The species is divided into three subspecies: the Common Redpoll 

 A. I. linaria, which is commonest in fact as well as name; Holbcell's Redpoll A. I. hoWcelli 

 a slightly larger form; and the Greater Redpoll A. I. rostrata, the largest of the species. 

 There are small differences visible to the eye of the expert in the bills and details of 

 coloration, but size is, on the whole, the best criterion, though it should not be entirely 

 relied upon as intergrades occur. The wing of the Common Redpoll should be 2-9 inches, 

 Holbcell's 3-0 with slightly longer bill, and the Greater 3-5 with bill shorter and stouter. 

 However, in identifying Redpolls it should be remembered that the Common is the only 

 one likely to be met with and no other determination should be made unless confirmed 

 by expert opinion. 



With more or less regularity our winter fields and waste lands are 

 taken possession of by immense flocks of tiny Sparrows, feeding on the 

 weed-tops which project from the snow or perching in the low trees and 

 bushes nearby. From the throng comes a subdued but constant twitter 

 from many little throats, no one of the birds producing a song in the usual 

 sense of the word, but collectively making an undercurrent of low music 

 that is distinctly agreeable. The round, fluffy, heavily plumaged bodies, 

 the little, rich crimson cap, and the occasional flash of rosy breast and 

 pink rump declare them Redpolls. They are tame and unsuspecting 

 little fellows and if the observer conduct himself discreetly they may at 

 times alight all about him or even upon his person with as much indiffer- 

 ence as if he were a stump or some other inanimate feature of the land- 

 scape. They remain until just as the spring breakup is due when they 

 vanish until another winter. Their winter wanderings are irregular and 

 erratic. 



Economic Status. Coming in flocks of large numbers and searching 

 weed-tops diligently the Redpolls should be hailed by the farmer with 

 pleasure, not only for their pretty ways but also for the evident good they 

 do in destroying weed seed. One cannot go over the ground where they 

 have fed and examine it closely without being impressed with the amount 

 of good work they have done. Their tracks are seen everywhere in the 

 snow and every little weed-top seems to have been scrutinized with micro- 

 scopic eye. Considering their numbers and that they come in the coldest 

 weather, it is evident that their presence must have a marked deterrent 

 effect upon the following season's weed crop. 



Genus — Astragalinus. Goldfinches. 



529. American Goldfinch, thistlebibd, wtjld canabt. pr. — le chardonnebet 

 jatjkb. Astragalinus tristis. L, 5 • 10. Plate XXX A. 



Distinctions. In summer, male with its strongly contrasting yellow body and black 

 wings, tail, and cap is most characteristic. In winter, the colours are less distinctive 

 but there is always a suggestion of yellow about the throat, head, and back, if not else- 

 where, and the wings and tail remain a decided black though with more or less buffy or 

 white edgings on wing-bars. 



Field Marks. In habit, disposition, and the general quality of their notes, winter 

 Goldfinches resemble Pine Siskins or the Crossbills. They can be distinguished from the 

 former by their lack of streakiness and from the Crossbills by the absence of red, lighter 

 coloration, and white rump. 



Nesting. Nest of grasses and plant-down lined with the latter. 



Distribution. As a species, throughout the United States and southern Canada 

 north to the limits of settlement. The Eastern Goldfinch extends west to, and including, 

 Manitoba. 



SUBSPECIES. The American Goldfinch is divided into three recognized subspecies 

 only one of which, the Eastern Goldfinch, the type form, occurs in eastern Canada. 



