GOLDFINCH. 4y 



Goldfinch, pride of woodland glade, 

 In thy jet and gold array 'd, 

 Gentle bird, that lov'st to feed 

 On the thistle's downy seed, 

 Freely frolic, lightly sing, 

 In the sunbeam spread thy wing. 



This most beautiful of the Finches, sometimes called " the 

 Seven Coloured Linnet," is fairly plentiful, and distributed generally 

 throughout the county. In the autumn it congregates in considerable 

 flocks to feed on the thistle down in open localities, such as commons 

 and hills. 



The Goldfinch is the farmer's great friend, for its favourite food 

 is the seed of thistles, and it also freely eats those of dandelions and 

 other weeds. 



But mark the pretty bird, himself, how light 



And quick his every motion, every note ! 



How beautiful his plumes ; his red ringed head ; 



His breast of brown ; and see him stretch his wings, 



A fairy face of golden spokes it seems. 



Oft on a thistle tuft, he, whistling, sits 



Light on the down ; then, midst a flight of down, 



He wings his way piping his shi'illest call. 



Graka^ie— Birds of Scotland. 



The song of the Goldfinch is not powerful, but it is very soft 

 and expressive. We may be sure when we hear it, that Spring has 

 once more returned ; and even when in captivity, amidst the smoke 

 and dirt of a crowded city, the heart of the artisan is cheered by 

 the remembrance of green lanes, and scented hedge-rows, as he 

 listens to the sweet song poured forth by the contented little 

 prisoner. 



The nest of the Goldfinch is small, and very neatly covered 

 with white lichens. It is usually situated near the end of a bough, 

 and to prevent the eggs being blown out by the wind, it is deep 

 and contracted round the opening. The beauty of the birds and 

 nests together is very remarkable. 



Gaylard he was, as Goldfynch in the schawe. 



Chaucer— 7%e Cokes Tale. 



The Goldfinch weaves, with yellow down inlaid. 

 And cannach tufts his wonderful abode. 



Grahaue— Birds of Scotland, 



