Its range is the northern part of North America, breeding in Alaska, and wintering as far south as southern Oregon, or into California on the western coast, in the mountain regions above the timber line. In Colorado, they have been seen at 10,000 feet, and with the temperature far below zero. Their nesting habits are the same as the above, and eggs are the same.
PALE GOLDFINCH.
529a. Astragalinus tristis pallidus. 5 inches.
A paler form, found in the Rockies, south to Colorado (not illustrated).
WILLOW GOLDFINCH.
529b. Astragalinus t. salicamara. 5 inches.
A western form of the eastern bird, rarely reaching the five inches in length, and of a paler color, both the black and the yellow. It is common on the Pacific coast, from Washington to southern California, breeding in willows and low bushes. Nest is made of plant down, very compactly built, usually in a crotch. Four to five eggs, plain bluish white (.60 × .45).
ARKANSAS GOLDFINCH.
530. Astragalinus psaltria. 5 inches.