Page:Birdcraft-1897.djvu/211

Purple Finch see or hear of one. Twice I have noticed pairs keeping together and apart from the flock. In January, 1893, when the snow had been on the ground since November, two pairs roosted nightly in a very thick honeysuckle. In the day the birds spent their time between an arbor-vite hedge and a group of pines. After an unusually severe snow they became very hungry and descended to the ground for food, and, while they refused to eat crumbs, relished some cracked corn which had been soaked in boiling water until it was partly softened.

Aside from their striking size and colour, and the fact that they eome in winter, a season at which any bird is a wel come excitement, these Grosbeaks are not very interesting. They have no playful ways, and here, at least, are silent to the verge of stupidity. They feed upon various small seeds and also upon tree buds, particularly those of the maple and hickory. Berries are also eaten, if other food fails.