258 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



arrives and there is a consequent decrease in 

 food-stuffs, these flocks dwindle down into smsJler 

 ones, and finally into pairs, eacli pair consisting lof a 

 male and a female. When spring opens with its 

 mild' weather, and plenty again reigns, the small 

 parties re-unite into larger ones, and hunt in 

 common. In this manner they retire to their 

 breeding-quarters. 



In, mid-winter when the temperature is low and 

 the' ground is covered with snow, driven by neces- 

 sity, .it seeks the habitations of man, where k 

 mingles with the snow birds and sparrovvs for its 

 share of- the scraps and crumbs which have h&en 

 discarded by man. At this time it is exceedingly 

 tame and enjoys a near association with man; 

 'but when once in its favorite haunts, the woods, 

 . it relapses into its former state of shyness. When* 

 disturbed now, it easily takes to flight, and does 

 not return to the same locality: for hours after- 

 wards. It delights most particularly in pine 

 forests, where the dense foliage of the trees affords 

 its rather comfortable shelter, and the fissured 

 bark in a measure panders to its appetite. 



The flight of this species is lofty, graceful, and 

 undulating. Its movements resemble those of the 

 Garpodaci. Whilst feeding we are reminded of 

 its presence and whereabouts by a sharp, piercing 

 swe-er, repeated at irregular intervals. On the 

 Aving a similar note is heard, which is uttered at 

 somewhat regular periods until the birds are com- 

 pletely out of sight: According to Auduboii.- its 



