Nests in Trees, Bushes, or Vines 
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 purpureus (Gmel.) 
Aduit 6 —Rosy purple or reddish, with more or less brown, and 
on the belly white. 
Adult? —Brownish, streaked with black on the back; under 
oe whitish, with spots of dark brownish gray. Length— 
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 §—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. 
142 
