What bird is that?

by Frank M. Chapman

Evening Grosbeak.
Male and Female.

The Evening Grosbeak is a notable traveler from the far northwest whose rare, irregular, and unheralded visits and striking appearance make him always a welcome and distinguished guest. Of recent years these birds have come to the east with greater frequency, arriving in November and remaining as late as May. They feed largely on the buds and seeds of trees—maple and box-elder—and can often be attracted to our feeding-stations by the offer of sunflower seeds. They are usually associated in flocks of from six to eight to ten birds, and their notes when perching, have been described as resembling the jingle of small sleigh-bells, while their song is said to be a "wandering jerky warble."

PINE GROSBEAK
Pinicola enucleator leucura. [Case 2], Figs. 53, 54

Adult males are unmistakable; but young males and female might be confused with the female Evening Grosbeak, but they lack the conspicuous white markings in the wings and tail of that species. L. 9.

Range. Northern North America, wintering southward irregularly to Indiana and New Jersey; rarely as far as Kentucky and Washington.

Washington, casual in winter. Ossining, irregular W.V., Dec. 18-Apl. 12. Cambridge, irregular W.V., frequently common, sometimes abundant, Nov. 1-Mch. 25. N. Ohio, occasional W.V. Glen Ellyn, uncommon and irregular W.V., Oct. 25-? SE. Minn., uncommon W.V.

In the summer the Pines Grosbeak lives in coniferous forests, but on its irregular wanderings southward, like the Evening Grosbeak, it feeds upon the seeds of deciduous trees and bushes. The Grosbeak's call-note is a clear whistle of three or four notes which may be easily imitated; its song is said to be prolonged and melodious.

The Pine and Evening Grosbeaks would be notable figures in any gathering of birds, but coming at the most barren time of the year when our bird population is at the minimum and the trees are leafless, they are as welcome as they are conspicuous.

PURPLE FINCH
Carpodacus purpureus purpureus. [Case 2], Figs. 32, 33; [Case 4], Figs. 48, 49