This beautiful little bird was formerly considered a very abundant resident of the mid-Atlantic states but has since suffered huge population losses. The reasons for the serious decline are manifold and include diminished winter food supply, use of insecticides, habitat loss, competition for nesting sites with introduced species such as European Starling, and adverse weather.
The population has now stabilised in most areas thanks to extensive nestbox schemes and the planting of berry-producing trees and shrubs.
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