GOLDFINCH. 



Carduelis carduelis. 



Char. Forehead and throat crimson ; cheeks and lower throat white; 

 crown and nape black, the latter being bordered by a narrow line of 

 white ; back brown ; wings black, tipped with white and barred with 

 yellow ; tail-coverts white with black bases ; three outer tail-feathers 

 black, with white central spots, the remainder black, tipped with white; 

 breast white, banded with brownish buff ; flanks buffy ; belly and under 

 tail-coverts white. Length about 5 inches. 



Nest. In an orchard or garden, placed in a fork of a tree or bush ; a 

 compact and neatly made structure of fine grass and moss, lined with 

 grass and plant down, etc. 



Eggs. 4-6; dull white tinged with blue or green, spotted and streaked 

 with purplish brown ; 0.70 X 0.50. 



This European songster has been introduced within recent years, 

 and though increasing slowly, appears to be thoroughly naturalized. 



It is most abundant near Hoboken, N. J., where a number were 

 set at liberty in 1878, but examples have been taken in other States. 

 A nest and eggs were discovered in Cambridge some ten years 

 ago, and during the summer of 1890 a nest was taken near 

 Worcester, Mass. 



In Great Britain it is very common, and breeds north to Caith« 

 ness, and one nest has been taken on the south side of Skye. 



The young are fed on insects and larvae ; but Mr. Saunders says 

 " the principal food of the Goldfinch consists of seeds of the thistle, 

 knapweed, groundsel, dock, and other plants." 



VOL. I. — 23 



