A Pioneer History of Becker County. 179 
158. Rusty Blackbird ( Scolccophagus carolinus). 
A common migrant spring and fall, breeding in the far 
north. Occurs in large, noisy flocks. 
159. Brewer's Blackbird (Scolecophagus cyanocephalus) . 
Similar to the last in appearance. A summer resident, 
breeding in colonies in poplar groves and other small 
timber. 
160. Bronzed Crackle, Crow Blackbird ( Ouiscalus quiscula 
0mens). 
Common, breeding. Most noticeable in the late summer 
and fall when they congregate in loose flocks, feeding 
about farm-yards, fields and lawns, destroying a large num¬ 
ber of injurious insects and grubs that compensate in some 
measure for the injury that they do to the farmers’ crops. 
161. Evening Grosbeak ( Coccothraustcs vespertinus). 
A winter visitant, appearing in small flocks. Tame and 
unsuspicious in habits. Feeds largely on fruit of the box- 
elder, maple and hackberry. 
162. Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enuclcator). 
Also a winter visitant. Fond of the fruit of the sumac 
and high-bush cranberry. 
163. PuRrLE Finch (Carpodctcus purpiireus). 
Chiefly to be seen in flocks, spring and fall, but a few 
breed in the evergreen forests. 
164. American Crossbill ( Loxia curzirostra minor). 
A permanent resident throughout northern Minnesota. 
165. White-winged Crossbill ( Loxia lencoptera). 
Occurrence the same as the last but usually not so plentiful. 
166. Redpoll (Acanthis linaria ). 
A visitant from the north, occurring in flocks often of 
considerable size. 
Two other varieties, the Hoary and the Greater, may 
be looked for as occasional associates of the common Red¬ 
poll. 
167. American Goldfinch, “Thistle Bird,” “Wild Canary” (As- 
tragalinus tristis). 
Common. Nesting late in summer. 
Pine Siskin ( Spinas pi 11 us). 
Much less common than the last, chiefly seen spring and 
168. 
