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rostrata, the largest of the species. There are small differences visible to the eye of the 
expert in the bills and details of coloration, but size is, on the whole, the best criterion though 
it should not be entirely relied upon as intergrades occur. The wing of the Common 
Redpoll should be 2-9 inches, Holboell’s 3-0 with slightly longer bill, and the Greater 3-5 
with bill shorter and stouter. However, in identifying Redpolls it should be remembered 
that the Common is the one likely to be met with anywhere in Canada, and, though 
Redpolls are likely to wander widely in winter, we have no definite evidence of any other 
form of linaria than the Common Redpoll west of the Great Lakes. 
With more or less regularity our winter fields and waste lands are 
taken possession of by immense flocks of tiny Sparrows, feeding on the 
weed-tops which project from the snow, or perching in the low trees and 
bushes nearby. From many little throats comes a subdued but constant 
twitter, no one of the birds producing a song in the usual sense of the word, 
but collectively making an undercurrent of low music that is distinctly 
agreeable. The round, fluffy, heavily plumaged bodies; the little, rich 
crimson cap ; and the occasional flash of rosy breast and pink rump declare 
them Redpolls. They are tame and unsuspecting little fellows and if the 
observer conducts himself discreetly they may at times alight all about 
him, or even upon his person, with as much indifference as if he were a 
stump or some other inanimate feature of the landscape. They remain 
until the spring breakup when they vanish until another winter. Their 
winter wanderings are irregular and erratic. 
Economic Status . Coming in flocks of large numbers and searching 
weed-tops diligently the Redpolls should be hailed by the farmer with 
pleasure, not only for their pretty ways but also for the evident good they 
do in destroying weed seed. One cannot go over the ground where they 
have fed and examine it closely without being impressed with the amount 
of good work they have done. Their tracks are seen everywhere in the 
snow and every little weed-top seems to have been scrutinized with micro- 
scopic eye. Considering their numbers and that they come in the coldest 
weather, when they require much food, it is evident that their presence 
must have a marked deterrent effect upon the following season’s weed crop. 
529. American Goldfinch (Including Pale and Willow Goldfinches). Thistle- 
bird. wild canary. Astragalinus tristis. L, 5-10. Plate LIII A. A small, canary- 
like bird. Spring male: bright lemon yellow with black cap, wings, and tail. Females: 
generally similar, but without black cap; the wings and tail more brown than black and 
yellow overwashed, especially on upper parts, with olive green. Winter birds of both 
sexes similar to the summer female, hut colours still further flattened and greyed, and 
almost pure white below. The male, however, still retains his black wings and tail, but 
broadly feather-edged with white. 
Distinctions. The summer male, with strongly contrasted black and yellow, can be 
mistaken for no other species. The female, except for its typical sparrow bill, might be 
confused with some of the small, green Warblers or Vireos. In winter, the colours are 
less distinctive, but there is always a suggestion of yellow about the head and back if not 
elsewhere, and the wings of the male, at least, remain decidedly black with only edgings 
of white or buffy. Separated from the Pine Siskin by an entire lack of streakiness in any 
plumage. 
Field Marks. Bright yellow, or general yellow and green colour, with black wings and 
tail. By actions and form, obviously Sparrows, and not Warblers or Vireos. In habit, 
notes, and disposition, Goldfinches resemble Pine Siskins or Crossbills, but are distinguished 
from the first by their lack of streakiness and from the latter by absence of any shade of 
red, lighter coloration when in green plumage, and white uppertail coverts. 
Nesting. Nest of grasses and plant down, lined with the latter. 
Distribution. North America, from southern Canada, south. In Canada, across the 
southern parts. 
