CLASS II. AVES: ORDER 2. PASSERES. 
1G9 
THE PURPLE FINCH. 
Mexico. Audubon often saw small flocks of thera in Louisiana, from April to November. In 
May, it moves to the northern regions of the continent, though some linger by the way, and are 
often seen in N"ew England and Northern New York throughout the summer, building their nests 
and carrying on their household affairs. This species has a habit of erecting the feathers of its 
crown like a crest; hence it is sometimes called the Crested Purple Finch. It feeds on the buds 
and berries of evergreens during winter and on insects in summer. 
The American House-Finch, Carjiodacus familiaris of Cassin, is six inches long ; above brownish 
red ; beneath white and brown ; resembles the preceding ; common in New Mexico ; abundant and 
familiar in California, where it is called Buriones. Its song is exceedingly tender and melodious. 
Other species are the frontalis^ six and a quarter inches long ; found in the Rocky Moun- 
tains, and E. tephrocotis, six inches long ; found in the Northern Regions. 
Genus AMMODROMUS : Ammodromus. — This includes the Swamf-Finoh or Red Grass- 
Bird, A. palustris, five and a half inches long ; bay above, beneath bluish-ash ; it makes its nest 
on the ground ; feeds on grass-seeds and aquatic insects ; found from Texas to Labrador. 
The Sea-side Finch, A. maritimus, is eight inches long ; olive-brown above ; gray beneath ; 
feeds on marine Crustacea and sea-shore insects. Found in maritime parts of New England and 
the Middle States. 
The Quail-Head, A. caudacutus, is five inches long ; olive above ; soiled white beneath ; the 
head, when the bird is seen on the ground, resembles that of the quail ; it is found in salt marshes, 
where it breeds, as also the preceding. 
The Western Swamp-Sparrow, or Brown-headed Finch, A. ruficeps, is six inches long ; 
chestnut-brown above, beneath pale-ashy ; found in California, 
Other species are A. Macgillivrayi^ five and a half inches long ; found in Texas : A, Bachmani, 
six inches long ; found in the Carolinas : and A. Lecontii, five inches long ; found in Missouri : 
A. Lincolnii, five and three-quarters inches long, found from New York to Labrador. 
Vol. XL— 22 
