THE HAWFIN^CH. 



COCCOTHRAUSTES VULGARIS. 



Lore, throat, and plumage at the base of the bill black ; crown and cheeks 

 reddish brown ; nape ash-grey ; back dark reddish brown ; wings black, great 

 coverts white ; some of the quills truncated at the extremity ; under parts 

 light purplish red ; tail short. Length seven inches. Eggs light olive-green, 

 with a few brown spots and numerous irregular lines of a lighter tint. 



Judging from its conformation, one would, without know- 

 ing anything of the habits of this bird, pronounce it to be 

 a professor of some laborious occupation. Its short tail 

 and wings unfit it for long aerial voyages, and its thick 

 neck and ponderous bill denote the presence of great mus- 

 cular power, and such, indeed, it both has and. requires. 

 It is not a common bird, and was until within the last few 

 years considered to be migratory ; but so many instances 

 have occurred in which its nest has been found, that no 

 doubt is now entertained of its being a constant resident. 

 In Berkshire T have several times seen two or three to- 



