4 The American Goldfinch |j 
female bird differ? When does the male bird begin to assume the summer or breedingn 
dress? wlien the winter dress ? How long does it take to make the change? Is there anyij 
change in the plumage of the female bird ? What is a molt? Do any birds change theij 
color of their plumage without molting? What is such process called? Describe theiS 
plumage of young birds at the time they leave the nest. Descriptions should be based on 1 
observations made in the field from the living bird, when possible. When does the songP 
period commence ? How long does it continue ? Does the female have a song? What isR 
the alarm note ? The flight note ? Give size of Goldfinch, shape of body, wings, tail, bill, a 
feet. What are the habits during different seasons of the year ? What is meant by gre- I 
garious ? By nomadic? Are there any peculiarities of flight? During what portion of I 
the year are Goldfinches found in your locality? Do they breed in your locality? Describe ij 
the nest in detail, materials used, size, etc. I 
(Note. — If an occupied nest of the Goldfinch is found, the locality should be de- y ' 
scribed in detail In a note-book, the kind of tree, height of nest from ground, etc. Aftcr fl®' 
the nest is abandoned it should be secured, properly labeled, and kept in the class-room 
for examinarion and comparison.) When do the Goldfinches nest in your locality? What dof 
Goldfinches eat? (Note. — This question will be answered best from personal observation.) |i^ 
Name and describe the plants from which seeds are taken. Name and describe the insectslE 
eaten. Is the bird doing good or harm ? To whom, and how ? '' 
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