THE SISKIN 



Chrysomitris spinus 



The Siskin is certainly far better known in a 

 captive than in a wild state. In this respect it is 

 certainly one of our familiar songsters, and we have 

 no hesitation therefore in including it here, more 

 especially as its habits in a wild state are by no 

 means familiar to many persons who keep it in 

 captivity. Not only so, but this species may possibly 

 be overlooked in many localities, especially during 

 summer. The Siskin is chiefly a northern species, 

 especially during the breeding season, and so far 

 as our knowledge of it at present extends, is one 

 that nests exceptionally in England. Instances are 

 recorded of its having done so in Durham, Cumber- 

 land, Westmoreland, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Denbigh, 

 Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Middle- 

 sex, Surrey, Kent, Sussex and Dorset. In Scotland 

 it breeds in localities suited to it, especially from 

 Perthshire northwards to Sutherlandshire and Caith- 

 ness. In Ireland its principal breeding-places are 

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