<h2 id="c8">THE GRAY-CROWNED LEUCOSTICTE. <br/><span class="small">(<i>Leucosticte tephrocotis.</i>)</span></h2>
<p>The Gray-crowned Leucosticte or Gray-crowned
Rosy Finch, as it is often called,
is a resident of the interior of British
America during the warmer months. In
the winter it passes southward, frequenting
the Rocky Mountain region of the
United States, where it is quite common
on the eastern slopes. So far as
known, within the border of the United
States, it only nests in the Sierra Nevada
in California. While on the slopes of the
mountains this Finch is usually seen in
flocks. During the most severe weather
it will frequent settled districts, becoming
quite tame, and it has been known to
seek the sheltering cover of the nests of
cliff swallows under the eaves of buildings.
When in the fields it is a restless
bird and quite shy.</p>
<p>Dr. R. W. Shufeldt, while stationed at
Fort Fetterman, Wyoming, had an excellent
opportunity to study the habits of
this handsome bird. He captured eight,
including both males and females, which
he placed in a cage especially prepared
for them. “In a few days they not only
became accustomed to their quarters, but
apparently thoroughly satisfied and
happy. Flocks of their companions passing
over were certain to be called down,
to alight on the fences, the ground, and
in fact, everything in the neighborhood
of the cage, to even the cage itself.” The
birds were given canary and flax seeds,
cracked wheat and finally lettuce and
other tender leaves, all of which they
seemed to relish. Dr. Shufeldt also says:</p>
<p>“Every morning, as I approached the
cage, a general and impatient chattering
commenced for their breakfast and bath,
and they immediately availed themselves
of both in my presence. Often I deluged
the entire cage, birds and all, with a
large watering pot, and they enjoyed the
sprinkling immensely. Later in the
spring this part of the programme was
followed by their pluming themselves in
the sun, chattering among themselves
and the males giving utterance to a low,
subdued and plaintive sort of song, being
different from the shrill whistle they gave
to attract the attention of their passing
fellows outside.” By the middle of May
all the birds of this species had left the
vicinity for their breeding grounds further
north. Dr. Shufeldt’s captives did
not even pair and early in July he released
them. Their plumage seemed to
be at its best in the early part of May.</p>
<p>Another authority, speaking of this
bird’s habits in the mountain regions,
says, “During summer and autumn the
Gray-crowned Finch is common above
timber line, where it breeds, ranging
higher than the titlark and being usually
found in the vicinity of snow fields and
the frozen lakes near the summit of the
range. It is rather shy in such localities,
though exceedingly tame in winter.
Its flight is in undulating lines, like the
crossbills. The only note I have heard
it utter is a kind of churr, like the call of
the scarlet tanager. They stay above
timber-line till the close of October or
the middle of November. They are perpetually
roving from place to place feeding
upon the seeds of weeds and grasses
and are never at rest for a moment at a
time, constantly whirling about in close,
dense masses, like so many longspurs.”</p>
<div class="fig"> id="fig3"> <ANTIMG src="images/i12502.jpg" alt="" width-obs="500" height-obs="629" /> <p class="caption">GRAY-CROWNED LEUCOSTICTE. <br/>(Leucosticte tephrocotis). <br/>Life-size.
<br/><span class="small">FROM COL. CHI. ACAD. SCIENCES.</span></p>
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