ECONOMIC RELATIONS OF OUR BIRDS.


Seeds of poplar and button-wood and of many rank weeds, the blossoms of
the elm and the stamens of the cherry and apple blossoms (Wilson). Buds
and berries of evergreens in winter, in summer, insects (De Kay). Buds of
trees, insects, and the tender parts of spruce cones (Audubon). Seeds, berries
and buds (Cooper).
80. LOxiA CURVIROSTRA AMERICANA (WILS.), COuES. AMERICAN RED
CROSSBILL. GROUP II. CLAss a.
During October and November of 1877 this species was very abundant all
along the Flambeau river. They associated in flocks of considerable size
and
frequented the tops of the tallest trees. Occasionally small troops came
down
among the willows and alders along the banks of the streams. About the log-
ging camps they are very familiar, often venturing in-doors when left open.
In midsummer of 1868 the Crossbills appeared in great numbers in Western
Maine, and there proved very destructive to the oats, disappearing again
as soon
as the harvest was over.
Food: Seeds of the white pine and of various plants.
Seeds of coniferous trees, other small seeds, and sometimes buds of trees
(Cooper). Seeds of pines and firs (Audubon). Seeds of pines, birches, etc.
(T. M. Trippe). Seeds of coniferee and other seeds (Brewer). Seeds of sun-
flower (Hoy).
81. LOXIA LEUCOPTERA, GM. WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL. GROUP Il.
CLASS a.
This species, like the last, is probably a regular winter resident in Northern
Wisconsin, but appears to be much less abundant. It scuds about in small
troops, accompanied by a few of the Red Crossbills, and is also familiar
about
logging camps, where it comes for crumbs.
Food: Seeds and crumbs gleaned about dwellings.
Seeds of white spruce (Richardson). Canker-worm (Maynard).
82. AEGIOTHUS LINARIA (LINN.), CAB. RED-POLL LINNET. GROUP 1.
CLASS b.
This familiar boreal species is an abundant winter resident, and while here
it
moves about the fields and pastures in flocks, gathering such seeds as it
may find
above the snow. Mr. Trippe states that, in Minnesota, the Lesser Red-poll
ap-
pears in vast numbers, about the middle of October, and remains during the
entire winter.
Food: Seeds of the common alder (Wilson). Seeds of various trees, as pine,
birch, linden and alder (Cooper). Seeds of grasses, and of pine, also berries
and
buds (De Kay). Weed and grass seeds, and seeds of white birch (Samuels).
Seeds of birch and pine, sometimes fruit-buds (Nuttall). Seeds of birch and
alder. It also eats the buds of trees, and (when in flocks) proves in this
way
seriously injurious to young plantations (Selby, Brit. Birds). A maimed speci-
men which Dr. Kirtland kept in his greenhouse fed upon the aphidse that
infested his pelargoniums.
83. AEGIOTHUS EXILIPES, COUES. AMERICAN ME ALY RED-POLL. GROUP
II. CLASS a.
This species enjoys a more northern habitat than the last, and is resident
in
Greenland. It is said to enter the United States in winter, passing as far
south
as Mount Carroll, Illinois.


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