| "The wind
blows cold, the birds are still, And skies are gray." |
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| PURPLE
GROSBEAK, Crimson Finch, Strawberry Bird, and Linnet are
some of the common names by which this bird of bright
colors, sweet song, and sociable disposition is known. It
is very numerous in New England, but is found nesting
regularly in the northern tier of states, North and South
Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, etc., northward,
and it is said to breed in northern Illinois. In Nova
Scotia it is exceeding abundant. Robert Ridgway says he first made the
acquaintance of the Purple Finch at Mt. Carmel, in
mid-winter, "under circumstances of delightful
memory. The ground was covered with snow, -- the weather
clear and bright, but cold. Crossing a field in the
outskirts of the town, and approaching the line of tall,
dead rag-weeds which grew thickly in the fence corners, a
straggling flock of birds was startled, flew a short
distance, and again alighted on the tall weed-stalks,
uttering as they flew, a musical, metalic chink, chink.
The beautiful crimson color of the adult males,
heightened by contrast with the snow, was a great
surprise to the writer, then a boy of thirteen, and
excited intense interest in this, to him, new bird. On
subsequent occasions during the same winter, they were
found under like circumstances, and also in 'sycamore' or
buttonwood trees, feeding on the small seeds contained
within the balls of this tree." |
The notes may be heard from the
last of May until late in September, and in the long
summer evening are often continued until it is quite
dark. Their song has all the beauty and pathos of the
Warbling Vireo, and greatly resembles it, but is more
powerful and full in tone. It is a very interesting sight
to watch one of these little performers in the midst of
his song. He appears perfectly absorbed in his work, --
his form is dilated, his crest is erected, his throat
expands, and he seems to be utterly unconscious of all
around him. But let an intruder of his own race appear
within a few feet of the singer, the song instantly
ceases, and in a violent fit of indignation, he chases
him away. S. P. Cheney says that a careful observer told
him that he had seen the Linnet fly from the side of his
mate directly upward fifteen or twenty feet, singing
every instant in the most excited manner till he dropped
to the point of starting. The Yellow-breasted Chat has a
like performance. See Vol. II of BIRDS, p. 238. The nest of the Finch is usually placed in evergreens or orchard trees, at a moderate distance from the ground. It is composed of weed-stalks, bark strips, rootlets, grasses, and vegetable fibres, and lined with hair. The eggs are four or five in number, dull green, and spotted with dark brown. Study his picture and habits and be prepared to welcome this charming spring visitant. |
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