PINE SISKIN
Spinus pinus pinus. [Case 2]. Fig. 55
A streaked, sparrow-like bird, with yellow markings in wings and tail which show in flight. L. 5.
Range. North America; nests from northern New England north to Canada and in the mountains, south to North Carolina; in winter southward to the Gulf States.
Washington, irregularly abundant W.V., Oct. 24-May 20. Ossining, irregular P.R. Cambridge, irregular W.V., Oct. 15-May 10; sometimes very abundant; one breeding record. N. Ohio, tolerably common W.V., Sept. 20-May 15. Glen Ellyn, irregular T.V., Apl. 8-May 24; Sept. 8-Nov. 29. SE. Minn., uncommon T.V., and W.V. Oct. 20-Apl. 9.
The Siskin belongs in the group of winter visitants whose coming cannot be foretold. Some years it is rare or wanting, others abundant, a flock sometimes, containing several hundred birds. In general habits it resembles the Goldfinch, feeding on weed seeds and catkins, particularly of the alder, and on the seeds of conifers. The call-note is a high e-eep; its song like that of the Goldfinch but less musical.
SNOW BUNTING
Plectrophanes nivalis nivalis. [Case 2], Fig. 57
The prevailing tone of plumage is white, particularly when the bird is on the wing; the long, hind toe-nail should be noted. L. 6¾.
Range. Nests in Arctic regions, winters irregularly south to Kansas and Virginia.
Washington, W.V., casual, one instance. Ossining, irregular W.V., Oct. 25-Mch. 22. Cambridge, common W.V., Nov. 1-Mch. 15; abundant in migrations. N. Ohio, tolerably common W.V., Dec. 10-Mch. 15. SE. Minn., common W.V., Oct. 9-Mch. 14.
Snow Buntings live in flocks and love open places, such as Horned Larks frequent, and are often found with them in fields or along the shore. Like the Horned Larks they are walkers, not hoppers, and like most walkers, it is exceptional for them to perch in trees. Hoffman described their notes as "a high, sweet, though slightly mournful tee, or tee-oo, a sweet rolling whistle, and a harsh bzz."