Hardy Migratory Finches. 155 



The weH-known YELLOW BIRD, or American Goldfinch 

 (Chrysomitris tristis), spends the winter in the New England 

 States; but although it lingers in New Brunswick until all the 

 autumnal seeds, especially the thistles, have fallen, none pluck 

 up courage to brave the cold ; but as soon as the snow com- 

 mences to depart, numbers suddenly appear, even at the 

 beginning of April. This bird illustrates the rapid change in 

 colouring of plumage, inasmuch as the dusky hues of winter 

 disappear before the little creature makes its appearance in 

 New Brunswick ; indeed all the males, no matter how soon they 

 arrive, are decked in the beautiful yellow and black garb 

 characteristic of the breeding season. Its ally the pine finch 

 (C. pinus), referred to before, being coniferous as regards food, 

 is indigenous to the region. 



We have, besides, among our summer arrivals from the south, 

 several species of finches, strong and hardy birds, which, if 

 at all inclined to accept the fare of the pine finch, might, as 

 far as the climate is concerned, stop here during winter. One 

 of these, the Purple Finch (Fringilla purpurea), belongs to 

 a genus the majority of the species of which are partial to 

 boreal latitudes, and also the Blue and ROSE-BREASTED 

 GROSBEAKS might well, as far as constitutional powers 

 are concerned, remain with us throughout the year; but it is 

 clear that the failure of food is the chief and perhaps the sole 

 cause of their departure. The first-named passes the winter 

 in the central regions of the northern continent, pushing far 

 north in spring to breed ; its bright red plumage and sweet 

 and varied song recommend it to every intelligent observer. 

 I have often been delighted to witness its gambols during 

 the wooing season, when the gay-coloured male may be seen 

 displaying his attractions before the sombre- clad females on 

 some paling, now fluttering from bough to bough, then hopping 

 along the fence with the feathers of the head and back erected, 

 whilst his bride pursues him, and seems either displeased or is 

 urging him on to parade his beauties for her especial benefit. 



