Nests in Trees, Bushes, or Vines 
Breeding Range—In the Alleghanics, from North Carolina north- 
ward, and in the Northern States. 
The nest is usually placed in evergreens at a height vary- 
ing from fourteen feet upwards. It is composed of strips of 
bark, small twigs, roots, and leaves, lined with moss, hair, grass, 
and pine roots. The eggs, 3 to 4 in number, are pale green- 
ish, with spots, dots, and blotches of purple brown and light 
lilac gray, chiefly at the larger end. Size—.83 x .55. 
These eccentric-looking birds may be readily distinguished 
from the white-winged crossbills by the fact that they have no 
white on the wings; their crossed bills serve to distinguish them 
from any other of the finches. The breeding season begins as 
early as February or March. (Davie.) 
522. White-winged Crossbill: Loxia leucoptera Gmel. 
Adult 8 —Upper parts pinkish red ; somewhat streaked with deep 
brown on the back; under parts pinkish red, shading into 
grayish on the belly; wings black, with white markings. 
Adult? —Upper parts dull greenish yellow, somewhat mottled 
with dark brown; under parts grayish yellow, with dark 
brown mottling; wings have white markings; tips of bills 
crossed. Length—6.o5. 
Breeding Range—From the Northern States, northward. 
The nest is composed of ‘‘twigs and strips of birch bark, 
covered exteriorly with moss (Usnea) and lined with soft moss 
and hair, on the fork of an evergreen in deep forests.” 
The eggs are pale blue, rather thickly covered at the larger 
end with fine dots of blackish and lilac gray. Size—.80 x .56. 
This is by no means so common a bird as its relative, the 
American or red crossbill, and but little is known of its breeding 
habits. During the present winter (1899-1900) these birds have 
been very common in South Orange, New Jersey, and have 
usually been seen in company of the American crossbill. 
529. American Goldfinch; Yellow-bird: Spinus tristis 
(Linn.) 
Adult 6 —Lemon yellow, except the crown, wings, and tail, which 
are black. 
Adult? —Dull greenish or olive yellow ; nearly white on the 
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