Nests in Trees, Bushes, or ViaeB 



The nest, which is in coniferous trees, is " composed of a 

 basement of twigs and rootlets, within which is a more compact 

 fabric of finer materials. Eggs, usually 4, pale greenish blue, 

 spotted and blotched with dark brown surface markings and lilac 

 shell spots. Size — 1.05 x .74." 



The Pine Grosbeak is an inhabitant of the coniferous forests , 

 of the north, visiting the United States chiefly during the winter 

 months. 



517. Purple Finch: Carpodacus purpureas (Gmel.) 



Adults — Rosy purple or reddish, with more or less brown, and 



on the belly white. 

 Adults — Brownish, streaked with black on the back ; under 



parts whitish, with spots of dark brownish gray. Length— 



6.22. 

 Breeding Range — The northern United States (including Long 



Island, New York), northward. 



The rather shallow nest is composed of fine twigs, roots, 

 thin strips of bark, tendrils, grass, and lined with grass and 

 hairs. It is usually placed in evergreen trees, at a height of from 

 about six to twenty or thirty feet from the ground. The eggs, 

 numbering from 4 to 6 (Chapman), are pale blue or greenish, with 

 faint purple and dark brown spots or small blotches. Size — 

 .80 X .60. See Fig. 21, Plate D. 



As a songster, the Purple Finch is known principally in New 

 England and the other States that border on Canada. By the 

 time he arrives in the vicinity of New York City his song is almost 

 gone ; nothing but a soft warble remains to remind one of the 

 beautifully mellow song of the mating season. The nests are built 

 towards the end of May, and frequently two broods are reared. 

 Care should be taken that the female is not mistaken for a sparrow, 

 her colouring and shape making such a mistake quite possible. 



521. Red Crossbill; American Crossbill: Loxia 

 curvirostra minor (Brehm.) 



Adult 3 — Red or reddish, except the wings and tail, which are 



brown. 

 Adult $ — Dull yellowish ; back slightly mottled ; under parts 



whitish, somewhat streaked ; the tips of the bill are crossed. 



Length— 6. 19. 



143 



