AMERICAN CROSSBILL 521. Loxia curvirostra minor. 6 inches
These curious creatures appear in flocks on the outskirts of our cities every winter, where they will be found almost exclusively in coniferous trees. They cling to the cones, upon which they are feeding, in every conceivable attitude, and a shower of seeds and broken cones rattling through the branches below shows that they are busily working. They are very eccentric birds and the whole flock often takes flight, without apparent cause, only to circle about again to the same trees. The flute-like whistle that they utter when in flight sounds quite pleasing when coming from all the individuals in the flock.
Song.—A low twittering; call, a short, flute-like whistle.
Nest.—In coniferous trees, of spruce twigs, shreds of bark and some moss or grass. The three or four eggs are greenish white spotted with brown (.75 × .55).
Range.—Breeds from northern New England northward and westward, and south in mountains to Georgia; winters in the northern half of the U. S.
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL 522. Loxia leucoptera. 6 inches
This species seems to be of a more roving disposition, and even more eccentric than the last. They are not nearly as common and are usually seen in smaller flocks; occasionally one or two individuals of this species will be found with a flock of the American Crossbills, but they usually keep by themselves. While they may be seen in a certain locality one season, they may be absent for several seasons after, for some reason or other. They feed upon the seeds of pine cones, prying the cones open with their peculiar bills.
Notes.—Do not differ appreciably from those of the last.
Nest.—The nesting habits of this species are like those of the last, but the eggs differ in being slightly larger and in having the markings of a more blotchy character (.80 × .55).
Range.—Breeds from the northern parts of the northern tier of states northward. Winters in the northern half of the U. S.
GRAY-CROWNED LEUCOSTICTE 524. Leucosticte tephrocotis. 6½ inches
Female similar to, but duller colored than, the male.
All the members of this genus are western and northern, this one only being found east of the Rockies and then only in winter, when it occasionally is found east of the Mississippi. They wander about in rocky mountainous regions, feeding upon seeds and berries. They are very restless and stop in a place but a short time before flying swiftly away, in a compact flock, to another feeding ground.