4^ THE BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



and less yellow. After the autumn moult the whole plumage 

 is partially obscured by brown tips ; the spring dress is 

 acquired by abrasion. The young are greyer, with brown 

 streaks on the back and breast. The bill is flesh-coloured, 

 browner at the tip ; the legs fleshy brown ; the irides hazel. 

 Length, 6 ins. Wing, 3*5 ins. Tarsus, 7 in. 



Hawfinch. Coccothratistes coccothraustes (Linn.). 

 -% 

 The Hawfinch (Plate 18), though supposed to be local, is 



now well distributed throughout England and Wales, though 

 rarest in the north and west. In Scotland it is rapidly extend- 

 ing northward, but in the extreme north, as in Ireland, it is 

 as yet only a straggler. The typical form occurs throughout 

 Europe and is replaced by allied races in Africa and Asia. 

 Little is known about its migratory movements, but it has 

 been noted on migration and as a winter visitor. Within 

 recent years the Hawfinch has not only increased but extended 

 its range considerably, and some of the occurrences in unex- 

 pected places may be attempts to colonise. 



In spite of its peculiar appearance, due to its huge bill and 

 head and short tail, calculated to command attention, the 

 Hawfinch is looked upon as rare in places where it is really 

 common. It is shy and secretive, and avoids man but not his 

 dwellings, less so his gardens when fruit or peas are ripe. 

 Split cherry-stones and empty pods reveal the fact that a raid 

 has been made before any one was about. It occurs not in- 

 frequently in thickly populated suburban districts, even nesting 

 in large gardens. When in flight the bird looks stumpy and 

 top-heavy ; when perched it is unlike any other bird, sitting 

 well upright and constantly turning its huge head from side to 

 side. The flight is often described as straight and rapid, but 

 this is only when alarmed ; the normal flight is undulating, 

 almost bounding, far more so than that of the Greenfinch. The 



