224 BIRDS OF ALABAMA 



habits it somewhat resembles the goldfinch, occurring in 

 flocks in gardens, orchards, and dooryards. Its notes are de- 

 scribed by Langille as cree-cree-cree-cree, shree, shree, shree, 

 shree, in soft, lisping tones. 



GOLDFINCH; "WILD CANARY;" THISTLE-BIRD: 



Astragalinus tristis tristis (Linnaeus). 



State records. — The goldfinch is a common migrant and 

 winter resident over most of the State, and a moderately com- 

 mon breeder in the northern part. At Leighton, according to 

 McCormack, it is rarely seen during the latter part of Septem- 

 ber and October, but appears in great abundance in Novem- 

 ber, and is common in flocks all winter and until late in April. 

 It occurs there also during the breeding season, which extends 

 usually from about June 20 through July and August. It is 

 known also at that season at Elkmont, Stevenson, Fort Payne, 

 Sand Mountain, Weogufka, Erin (Clay County), Anniston, 

 Natural Bridge, Autaugaville, Greensboro, and other places. 

 I found it scarce in winter along the coast, noting only a few 

 at Orange Beach (January) and at Bayou Labatre (February 

 9). On April 8, 1912, near Tuscaloosa, I observed a large 

 flock, singing, and on April 27, at Auburn, a flock of about 20. 

 Saunders records it very abundant at Woodbine in spring 

 (March- June) ,t and Brannon states that it is usually seen at 

 Montgomery in migration during the latter part of February.^ 



The nesting season is late, extending from about June 20 to 

 the last of August or even into September. 



General habits. — The goldfinch is well known and generally 

 beloved on account of its cheerful and confiding disposition. 

 During winter, spring, and early summer it is found in flocks, 

 visiting fields, gardens, hedges, and open groves. Its un- 

 dulatory flight is characteristic, as are the notes uttered while 

 on the wing — per-chick-a^ree or I've cheated ye. In summer, 

 while still in flocks, the birds often indulge in a merry chorus, 

 which is both vivacious and pleasing, the songs somewhat re- 

 sembling those of the tame canary. The nests are placed in 

 trees or bushes, from 5 to 30 feet from the ground. 



tSaundera, A. A., The Auk, vol. 26, p. 419, 1908. 

 tBrannon, P. A., The Ank, vol. 38, p. 464, 1921. 



