88 



INSESS0RE8. 



are very fond. They move about with great nimble- 

 ness among the close, thick-set branches of the Firs, 

 and when perched upon a cone will often stand upon 

 one foot while they use the other in conveying the 

 food to the mouth, somewhat after the manner of the 

 Parrots. The plumage of the males is mostly a fine 

 light yellowish red, intermingled with olive brown; 

 they vary much according to age and other circum- 

 stances, and it is 

 very difficult to pro- 

 cure two birds in one 

 flock that are pre- 

 cisely similar. In 

 the White -winged 

 Crossbill this differ- 

 ence is not so ob- 

 servable, the mark- 

 ings being alwaj's 

 more distinct and 

 the colors stronger. 

 With the exception 

 of the wings and tail, 

 the whole body is of 

 a rich crimson, in- 

 whiifrwingeJ CroR..biii. tcrspcrsed with olive 



and black ; the wings and tail are black, the former 

 being crossed with bars of pure white. This bird 

 does not winter so far to the southward as the former 

 species, at least it seldom makes its appearance in the 

 latitude of Philadelphia, appearing to enjoy a colder 

 and more northern or mountainous range. Its habits 



