re notable for their small size, being considered
and described as dwarfs of the family. Their food consists exclusively
of pine, fir, and larch, which accounts for the fact that they are more
numerous in Northern latitudes where these trees abound. When the cones
are abundant they visit in great numbers many places where they have not
been for years, appearing at irregular intervals, and not confining
themselves to particular localities.

They are very social even during the nesting season. Their nests are
built among the branches of the fir trees, and there they disport
themselves gaily, climbing nimbly, and assisting their movements, as
parrots do, with their beaks. They will hang downward for minutes
clinging to a twig or cone, seeming to enjoy this apparently
uncomfortable position. They fly rapidly, but never to a great distance.
"The pleasure they experience in the society of their mates is often
displayed by fluttering over the tops of the trees as they sing, after
which they hover for a time, and then sink slowly to their perch. In the
day time they are generally in motion, with the exception of a short
time at noon. During the spring, summer and autumn they pass their time
in flying from one plantation to another."

The Crossbill troubles itself but little about the other inhabitants of
the woods, and is said to be almost fearless of man. Should the male
lose his mate, he will remain sorrowfully perched upon the branch from
which his little companion has fallen; again and again visit the spot in
the hope of finding her; indeed it is only after repeated proofs that
she will never return that he begins to show any symptoms of shyness.

In feeding the Crossbill perches upon a cone with its head downwards, or
lays the cone upon a branch and stands upon it, holding it fast with his
sharp, strong pointed claws. Sometimes it will bite off a cone and carry
it to a neighboring bough, or to another tree where it can be opened,
for a suitable spot is not to be found on every branch.

The nest is formed of pine twigs, lined with feathers, soft grass, and
the needle-like leaves of the fir tree. Three or four eggs of a grayish
or bluish white color, streaked with faint blood red, reddish brown, or
bluish brown spots, are generally laid.

The following poem is quite a favorite among bird lovers, and is one of
those quaint legends that will never die.

THE LEGEND OF THE CROSSBILL.
From the German