54 
The New York Slate College of Forestry 
of horsehair, from which feature this sparrow has been popularly- 
styled the Hair-bird. 
33. Goldfinch. Astragalinus tristis tristis (Linn.) 
The Goldfinch is a common resident of the Bear Mountain 
locality. Its presence is disclosed by its songs and plaintive 
call-notes in late spring and summer, as its nuptial season is some- 
what later than that of the summer residents which are more 
migratory in habit. The male Goldfinch is a handsome little fel- 
low, with lemon-yellow plumage marked with black on the top of 
the head, wings and tail. The favorite fare of the Goldfinch is the 
seeds of composite flowers; it can be seen clinging to the heads of 
thistle, and feeding on the ripened heads of dandelion. Ripening 
birch seeds afford the Goldfinch choice food, and in searching for 
fruit-bearing plants and seeds the birds, usually in pairs, can be 
seen swinging overhead in billowy flight, uttering the familiar 
“ chick-er-ee ” calls. The Goldfinch also uses a plaintive call-note 
resembling the syllable “ pee ”, by which it can be easily identified. 
The nesting season of the Goldfinch generally is delayed until July. 
34. Purple Crackle. Quiscalus quiscula (Linn.) 
The Purple Grackle is not common in the interior of the Park, 
and at Bear Mountain was noted only near the river and in the 
lower cultivated districts. 
35. Baltimore Oriole. Icterus galbula (Linn.) 
The Baltimore Oriole is one of the common birds of the Bear 
Mountain locality. It prefers the tall trees of the river bank, lake 
shore, and lawn, and margins where isolated trees of its preference 
abound. The tulip tree, maple and cottonwood are favorite selec- 
tions as sites for its pendant nest. The Baltimore Oriole is so 
handsomely marked with striking colors, and its singing so rich 
and full-voiced, that this bird is commonly known and a general 
favorite. Its upper parts are chiefly black, with the lower back 
and under parts, except throat, reddish orange. The Oriole is 
noted for its pensile or hanging nest, made of vegetable fibers and 
shreds, suspended near the extremity of a branch of a large tree. 
