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 evergreen 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 (.75 × .55).
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL.
522. Loxia leucoptera. 6½ inches.
These are of a lighter and more rosy color than the preceding, and also have a large white patch on the wings. The female is marked the same, with 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 (.80 × .55).
ALEUTIAN ROSY FINCH.
523. Leucosticte griseonucha. 6½ inches.
This is the largest of the family; they are pretty birds, with dark chestnut back and breast, and with the rump, wings and tail with a rosy tint. These are birds of the mountains and high altitudes, above or near the snow line. They are found breeding on the islands of Bering Sea, and in the western part of Alaska. They nest in crevices of the rocks or under ledges, making their nests of grasses and roots. Their four or five eggs are pure white (.97 × .67).