BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 109 



remains until the latter part of September. Found in open 

 oak woods more plentifully during the spring migrations. 

 Nests on the top of small trees. 



64. Fyranga sestiva, Vibill. — Summer Tanager. 

 " Summer Red-Bird." Accidental. " Two were taken in 

 Lynn after a severe storm, April 21, 1852."* I saw one 

 in the collection of Mr. A. L. Babcock, at Sherborne, 

 which was taken near that place ; this specimen was a, 

 male in immature plumage. It has a loud and pleasing 

 song. 



FRINGILLID^, — The Finches and Sparrows. 



65. Finicola Canadensis, Cab. — Fine Grosbeak 

 An irregular winter visitant. On November 4, 1866, 

 large numbers appeared, and remained through the winter, 

 feeding upon the berries of the cedar; by February 27, 

 1867, it disappeared; it was also common during the win- 

 ter of 1868-69. 



The true reason of the visits of this northern bird is 

 not, as many suppose, the severe winters, but its migra- 

 tions are regulated entirely by the supply of food. While 

 visiting northem_ Maine and New Hampshire in the au- 

 tumn of 1868, I observed that the cone-bearing trees, 

 upon the seeds of which this bird in a great measure 

 subsists, had but few cones upon them; hence its abun- 

 dance in Massachusetts during the succeeding winter. It 

 is very unsuspicious, and may be taken with a noose upon 

 a pole ; is easily tamed, and will in a short time become 

 quite familiar. 



66. Carpodacus purpureus, Gray. — Purple Finch. 

 Abundant resident. Breeds, nesting in cedar-trees. Found 

 during summer everywhere; during winter, among thick 

 groves of cedar. Eagerly eats the petals and stamens 



* S. Jillson, "Proceedings of the Essex Institute," I. p. 224. 



