238 
Fringillidje.—Finches. 
50. Carpodacus purpureus, (Gm.).—Purple Finches. 
This species appears to be at least not a common one in Southern California, a single 
specimen being all obtained or seen by us. Dr. Cooper speaks of finding them on the 
summits of the Coast range, toward Santa Cruz, in May, where they had nests. 
No. 
Sex. 
Locality. 
Date. 
Collector. 
Wing. 
Tail. 
Bill. 
Tarsus. 
563 
9 
Near Mount Whitney, Cal.. 
Oct. 10 
H. W. Henshaw... 
3. 00 
2.34 
0. 45 
0. 72 
51. Carpodacus fronialis, (Say).—House Finch. 
In Southern California, in summer this Finch is perhaps the most numerous of any 
of the small birds. Their diffusion is very general, the mountains alone being un¬ 
visited by them. On the island of Santa Cruz, their numbers are as great as on the 
mainland. They are always found in greatest numbers in the vicinity of houses, 
where there are scarcely any bounds to their familiarity. On the uninhabited portions 
of the island a few had taken up their abode, resorting to little niches in the face of 
cliffs to place their nests. Their disposition toward each other is sociable in the ex¬ 
treme, and wherever found they will be seen to have established themselves into com¬ 
munities, often of many individuals, while the air is fairly filled with their songs, 
which continue from morning to night. 
No. 
Sex. 
Locality. 
Date. 
Collector. 
72 
9 ad. 
Santa Barbara, Cal... 
•Tune 26 
73 
cf ad. 
cf jnn. 
cf ad. 
cf ad. 
cf ad. 
cf ad, 
cf ad. 
cf ad. 
9 ad. 
.do.. 
June 26 
74 
.do. 
June 26 
129 
.do. 
June 28 
150 
.do. 
June 29 
151 
.do. 
Juno 29 
159 
.do.-. 
June 29 
160 
.do. 
July 1 
July 1 
July 1 
July 17 
Aug. 9 
161 
. do ... 
248 
Walker’sBasin, Cal.. 
342 
9 jun. 
cf ad. 
Fort Tejon, Cal. 
770 
Santa Barbara, Cal... 
52. Chrysomitris tristis, (Linn.).—Goldfinch. 
This is an abundant species throughout Southern California, avoiding only the high 
mountainous districts. It was particularly numerous at Los Angeles, and as early as 
the middle of June was breeding plentifully. Their eggs at this time were in most 
cases far advanced toward hatching, though in one instance fresh eggs were found, 
and in another the nest had been just begun. 
In a dense willow-thicket within an area of a few yards no fewer than seven of their 
nests were counted. They were all placed quite low, the highest about 12 feet from 
the ground, and, save in being less compactly woven, resembled, the usual style of struc¬ 
ture in the East. The eggs are of an unspotted greenisli-white color. 
No. 
Sex. 
Locality. 
Date. 
Collector. 
26 
? ad. 
Los Angeles, Cal. 
June 17 
H. W. Henshaw. 
53. Chrysomitrispsaltria, (Say.).—Arkansas Finch. 
Of the three species inhabiting Southern California, this Goldfinch appears to be the 
most widely spread, as perhaps also the most numerous. It was seen at many differ¬ 
ent localities, and, like the other two, inhabits the valleys. The reeds of grasses and 
weeds appear to form the chief part of its food. 
