FINCHES, SPARROWS 



(534) Plectrophenax nivalis 

 nivalis (i,„«.) 

 SNOW BUNTING; SNOW- 

 FLAKE. Ad. (f, in breeding dress — 

 As shown by the upper bird; pure 

 white and black. The winter plum- 

 age, such as we see in the U. S., is 

 shown by the lower bird. The brown 

 and buffy colors are on the very tips 

 of the feathers. In spring, by a proc- 

 ess of erosion, they wear off, leaving 

 the pure nuptial dress. The 9 is 

 similar but a little browner, and 

 has some traces of brown with the 

 black in summer. L., 6.75; W., 

 4.15; T., 2.60; B., .40; Tar., .80. 

 Ncsi — Of grasses and mosses, hncd 

 with feathers; in hollows on the 

 ground, usually in spagnum moss. 



Range — Breeds in the Arctic 

 zone. Winters south irregularly-. 



also on those of deciduous trees such as birch, elm, ash, 

 larch, etc., and less frequently upon seeds of weeds. 



But for their nervous and active maneuvers and their 

 plaintive notes, resembling "tcheer," Siskins might easily 

 be mistaken for sparrows. But a close inspection will always 

 bring to notice the very sharply pointed bill and the yellow 

 patch on the wing. When feeding they act considerably 

 like Chickadees, frequently hanging, back down, from the 

 tips of outer branches. 



They remain with us later than most of our winter visitors, 

 often until the middle of June, and not a few of them nest 

 in our Northern States. Their nests are placed among the 

 outer branches of coniferous trees, usually quite high up, 

 and are so well concealed that it is almost impossible to see 

 them. Few are found except by seeing the birds carrying 

 material with which to construct them. During spring and 

 summer Siskins sing a great deal, but their song cannot 

 be classed with that of the Goldfinch. They are, however, 

 very often kept in capti\'ity, especially in European coun- 



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