CROSSBILL. 
521. Loxia curvirostra minor. 6 inches. 
Found throughout the greater part of North America, and 
breeds in suitable locations on the mountain sides among the 
coniferous trees. On the Pacific coast, breeding from Alaska 
to southern California. In abundance they vary each year 
greatly, according to the food supply of cones in the ever¬ 
green trees from which they secure their seed supply; their 
twisted bill quickly opening up the cones and cleaning out the 
small seeds. Their nests are made of fine roots and grasses, 
and three or four eggs, greenish white, spotted and lined 
with shades of brown, are laid (.75x.55). 
* 
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL. 
522. Loxia leucoytera. 6% inches. 
These are of a lighter and more rosy color than the pre¬ 
ceding, and also have a large white patch on the wings. The 
female is marked the same, wfith grayish and buff in place of 
the red on the males. Nesting habits and locations are the 
same as above. The eggs average a little larger and heavier 
marked (.80x.55). 
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