2 BIRD WORLD. 



The little Goldfinches are cradled in the softest of 

 silk — nothing less than thistledown. With this the 

 mother lines the nest, which is generally built late in 

 June, when thistles have begun to ripen. The thistle 

 is a good friend to the Goldfinch, for its seeds are a 

 favorite food. 



When the little Goldfinches leave the nest, they are 

 by no means as brightly colored as their father. No 

 canary-colored vest or black cap is provided for them, 

 but very sober brownish suits. When April comes 

 again, you will see some of them looking a little 

 brighter, and in a few weeks they will come into as 

 bright plumage as their father. The others, the 

 females, still keep the darker color, like their mother. 



The Goldfinch flies in great curves, and as he goes 

 downward he begins a pretty little twitter which he 

 finishes on the upward curve. Through the wide air, 

 over fields and farms, he swings along with his bright 

 " De-rt^^^-de, de-^^^-de, de-^<f^-de." Not the coldest or 

 wettest weather can make him utter a complaining 

 note. Perhaps you know some boy or girl w^ho is 

 cheerful and lively all the day and all the year. 



