OF NEW ENGLAND. 171 
ashy-lilac; is regularly or rather slightly elongate-oval, the 
small end rather obtuse. It measures ‘80 of an inch in length 
by °56 in breadth.” 
(c). The White-winged Crossbills are much rarer here than 
the Red Crossbills, since they habitually reside in more northern 
countries, though, indeed, on the authority of Mr. Deane and 
Mr. Brewster said to be ‘‘ common at Umbagog in June, 1870, 
and at Franconia in summer.”46 They are seldom seen in 
Massachusetts, though occasionally common in winter, and 
known to migrate much further to the southward. So far as I 
have had opportunities to observe, they resemble closely in 
their habits the other species, feeding chiefly upon the seeds of 
our evergreens, both obtaining these and climbing dexterously, 
and sometimes seeking food upon the ground, having a par- 
tiality for saline matter. Mr. Maynard says that they feed 
“‘upon the seeds of beach-grass,” ‘‘at Ipswich, Massachusetts,” 
and that he ‘‘ obtained a specimen on June 13, 1866, which 
was shot on an apple-tree in Newtonville,” and was ‘ filled 
with canker-worms.”47 This, says Mr. Allen, was “‘ a male in 
fine breeding plumage,” and therefore it is possible that these 
birds may occasionally breed in this State, though at the same 
time it is possible that the specimen in question may have 
wandered from the North, having previously reared his young 
in April or May. Instances of equally strange freaks among 
birds have been known to occur, such as wandering more than 
a thousand miles from a regular habitat. It is to be remarked 
that these instances take place almost wholly at the time of 
the migrations in autumn or early winter.‘ 
(d). The song of the White-winged Crossbills, says Dr. 
Brewer, is ‘irregular and varied, but sweet and musical.” 
These birds have a plaintive cry, distinct from the notes of 
the Red Crossbill. 
46C, J. Maynard, 55th species (p. 16, pamphlet), ‘ Birds of Coos Co., N. H.,” etc. 
47 The Naturalist’s Guide,” pp. 111-2. 
48 For example, the occurrence in Massachusetts of the Varied Thrush, Lark 
Finch, and Gray King-bird. 
