This is one of the bright and beautiful birds who visit us, not from the sunny lands of the South, but from the frozen regions of the North. And the modest and unassuming visitant is content with humble fare, as we would suppose, but which to him no doubt, is a feast. Take a walk some bright sunny, winter day, when the ground is covered with snow, glittering like diamonds under your feet, to some of the rocky and barren spots in the vicinity of Boston, where there are stunted pines growing, with great bunches of cones on the top of them, and there you will see the unsuspicious stranger at work. You may walk right up to the tree, for he is not at all afraid of you. He may, perchance, turn his bright eye down towards you, which seems to say, "Let me alone, I am doing very well, don't interrupt me;" while he is tearing the cones to pieces, and dexterously nipping the seeds off the scales, making them fly, like a little cloud, all around him; while his beautiful red and yellow plumage, contrasted with the lovely evergreen on which he is perched, and the white underground, cannot but excite your admiration; and you will gaze on him with delight, as I have often done. This bird is easily caught, and very soon tamed. It may be kept in a cage, and sings a very sweet note. It visits the North of Europe, also. When kept some time in a cage, it is said to sing in the night.

Food

It is a hardy bird, and will live upon almost any kind of seeds. It may be kept on Canary, and a little hemp seed, gravel, and water to wash.

Characteristics Of The Sexes

The male has the head, neck, breast, and rump, of a bright vermilion. The back and wings are of a blackish brown. The female is of a grayish green color. These birds, like all northern birds, are subject to changes of color; the red changing to yellow, and the yellow to brown.

Location

Found throughout the Northern and Middle States, in winter. Breeds farther north. Found, also, in Northern Europe.