This is a very beautifully marked species, and in Massachusetts rather rare, as it breeds to the northward of us. I have never seen but one in a cage; it was an elegant bird, and sang delightfully. The author of the Arctic Zoology says of it, in Hudson's Bay, where it is common, "it is silent in its flight, but when it perches it sings melodiously." It is found, also, in the State of Maine, where, I believe, it is more common.

Food

Canary, and about one-third hemp seed; plenty of gravel, and water to wash.

Characteristics Of The Sexes

This bird is longer than the Purple Finch. The male has the crown of the head pure white, with a line of black from each nostril; below that another line of white. Chin white, upper parts pale, ash streaked on the back, with brown and white; lower parts, below the breast, white. The female is smaller in size; the white on the head is less pure; the black is brownish, and less of it, and the ash color on the breast is brownish.

Location

Found from Massachusetts, (where a few may breed,) northward. Migrates south in winter.