The Willow Goldfinch 



distinguished at sight from nests of the western chipping sparrow, Cali- 

 fornia purple finch, and willow goldfinch, all of which birds were sometimes 

 nesting within a few yards of one another." 



The eggs are three or four, rarely five, in number, though sets of one 

 and two are not uncommon in some seasons. They are a very pale 

 bluish green in color, with dots, blotches, streaks, and occasional mar- 

 bling, of rufous and brown, chiefly about the larger end. They vary 

 considerably in size and shape, running from subspherical to a slender 

 ovate. Measurements of average eggs are .68x48 inches. 



Incubation lasts about twelve days, and the young are ready to fly 

 in as many more. The brood does not remain long in a family group 

 but joins the roving clan as soon as possible. We suspect, therefore, that 

 the Siskin raises but one brood in a season ; and she undoubtedly heaves 

 a sigh of relief when she may again don her evening gown, and rejoin 

 "society." 



No. 29 



Willow Goldfinch 



A. O. U. No. 529b. Astragalinus tristis salicamans (Grinnell). 



Synonyms. — California Goldfinch. "Wild Canary." "Thistle-bird." 



Description. — Adult male in summer: General plumage clear lemon-yellow 

 ("canary" yellow); a short crown-patch, including forehead and lores, black; wings 

 black, the lesser and middle coverts mingled yellow and white; tips of the greater coverts 

 and edges of secondaries white; tail black, each feather broadly tipped with white on 

 inner web; upper tail-coverts with admixture of white; middle of bell}' and crissum white. 

 Bill orange, tipped with black; irides brown; feet and legs light brown. Adult male in 

 fall and winter: Quite different, the yellow element usually reduced to a tinge on 

 throat, cheeks, and lesser wing-coverts; general color brownish olive (Saccardo's umber), 

 paling on scapulars, rump, and sides, lighter (sordid buffy) on underparts centrally; 

 upper tail-coverts varying to pure white; crown-patch partially or entirely concealed 

 by olive; greater wing-coverts and tertials bordered by white or pale olive-brown. 

 Bill darker. Adult female in summer: Similar to male, but without black cap and 

 much paler and duller; upperparts dull greenish olive; underparts sordid yellow (pyrite 

 yellow), often with yellow element confined to anterior portion; wings and tail fuscous. 

 Adult female in fall and winter: Similar to adult male in fall, but without trace of 

 crown-patch. Young birds: Closely resemble adults in fall, but are more extensively 

 tinged with yellow below. Length of adult (sexes about equal): 127 (5.00); wing 70 

 (2.75); tail 44 (1.73); bill 10 (.39); tarsus 13.5 (.53). 



Recognition Marks. — Warbler size; black and yellow sharply contrasting; 

 conical beak; undulating flight; "perchicopee" note; willow associations. In con- 

 tradistinction from A. psaltria, note brighter yellow back of male, black crown-patch 

 reduced in area and more sharply defined. The females are indistinguishable out of 

 hand, save by association and notes. 



Nesting. — Nest: A well-made cup, usually of compacted vegetable fibers, 

 finely shredded grasses, pappus of seeds, etc., settled in crotch of tree or shrub and 



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