334 FRINGILLA CCELEBS. 



are fed on insects of various kinds, which also form a principal 

 part of the food of the old birds during the summer. 



Progress toward ^Maturity. — At the first moult, the young 

 assume the colours considered peculiar to the adult, although, 

 until the second moult, they may generally be distinguished 

 from older birds by their paler tints. Some males are much 

 more richly coloured than others, especially on the throat and 

 neck, w^hile the wings and tail are deep black in their dark 

 parts. 



Remarks. — As a song-bird the Chaffinch does not rank high, 

 and therefore is very seldom kept in cages, although its beauty 

 and lively disposition render it a very pleasing parlour com- 

 panion. It is easily reared from the nest, and when caught in 

 the adult state, soon becomes reconciled to captivity. 



