Snow-bird

Snow-bird (Fringilla hyemalis or hudsonia), a North American bird of the Finch family (Fringillidæ), common from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Circle, in all the eastern parts of North America. The wings are rather short, the tail slightly notched. The whole length is about six inches; the upper parts are lead-colour, the lower parts white, the two outer tail-feathers white, the next white margined with black. This bird migrates northwards early in spring, and southwards late in autumn. They are first found in small flocks; their favourite haunts are roadsides, but they always take to trees when disturbed. In cold weather they visit farmhouses and villages; and before a snowstorm they assemble in large flocks, visiting barn-yards, and hopping about with the domestic poultry and small birds. The song of the male in the breeding season consists of a few very low, sweet warbling notes. From its frequent familiar approach to human habitations, the snow-bird is regarded with favour throughout great part of North America, as the Redbreast is in Britain. The name is also given to all the species of the fringilline genus Junco, including J. hiemalis, found both in the United States and in Canada.