remains. Marked eggs have been reported, but such must be considered very exceptional. They measure 
in long-diameter from .60 to .67, and in short-diameter from .50 to .56. A frequent size is about .63 x .52. 
DIFFERENTIAL POINTS : 
The nest and eggs, when together, can be easily identified by the characteristics given above. As 
there are but few eggs of similar size that are unmarked, and, as none of these have exactly the same 
tint of shell as the Goldfinch’s, recognition of normal eggs of this species is attended with little difficulty. 
See Table. 
REMARKS : 
The nest illustrated on Plate XLIII was taken late in July, 1880, from a large thistle, beside a 
spring-branch, near a public road. It was about four feet from the ground. It contained five eggs. The 
eggs fi gured were selected from several nests, as representing the various sizes and shapes generally ob- 
served. The center one is the commonest pattern. The nest is a typical specimen in position and ma- 
terials. The cavity, however, measures a little more both in diameter and depth than the average. Ex- 
ternally, it is covered with catkins, and within it is compactly lined with a thick layer of thistle-down. 
During the winter months small flocks of Goldfinches are occasionally seen seeking food from various 
weeds, or flying through the air in their characteristic wave-l ike flight. They are very fond of the seeds 
of the sunflower, which they crack with their stout little bills before eating. Day after day they return 
to an accessible pod, until every seed is devoured. As spring approaches, the flocks become larger and 
more numerous; and, until the last of June, they continue gregarious and nomadic. As soon as the 
quarrels of mating are over, and the nest is seriously thought of, each pair attends strictly to family 
duties, being greatly attached to their home and young. If their nest is robbed or destroyed another is 
generally built, and, sometimes, even a third is constructed, but, unless molested, only one set is laid by 
each pail- during a single season. The young are bright and sprightly, and make very tame and affec- 
tionate cage-birds. I have, at different times, raised several, and have in each found the same character- 
istics well marked. In the wild state they are very fond of bathing during the warm months, selecting 
a little creek or spring-branch with sandy bottom. Three or four times a day the same birds will visit 
their chosen bath, and often wade about for half an hour at a time, occasionally wetting themselves so 
thoroughly that it is with difficulty they can fly. As soon as the young are strong enough, flocks are 
formed, and the same roving life is resumed by the old birds, accompanied by their young. 
The song of the Goldfinch is not remarkable for any thing but constancy. The prominent notes are 
the same, at all times and all places. The sunniest day of May puts no more expression into them than 
the bleakest day of December. On this account, these birds have endeared themselves to me; as 
their song is always happy and cheerful. Especially does it seem welcome and suggestive of wild 
flowers and balmy breezes, at that season, when the barren trees and frozen ground have hushed all 
voices but the melancholy whistle of the Cherrybird, the croak of the Nuthatch, or the cold and shivering 
chirp of the Sparrow. 
146 
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