5l2'' BRAMBLING OR MOUNTAIN-FINCH. 



The Pyefinch, or Pinkin, as it is locally called, is very common 

 throughout the county, where some few hen birds certainly remain 

 through the winter. 



Linnaeus gave it the name of Coelehs (or bachelor) from flocks 

 of males only remaining for the winter. 



A strange variety in the eggs of the Chaffinch has been 

 observed by the Rev. Clement Ley in Herefordshire and elsewhere. 

 They are nearly round, larger and heavier than usual, with the 

 colour of the Bullfinch's egg, but with less decided markings. 



The Chaffinch is a bold pugnacious bird, who fights furiously 

 for his lady's love in the spring, to desert her in autumn. His 

 song is cheerful, and seems to speak of happiness and enjoyment, 

 but there is little melody, and no softness in it. 



On the Continent the male Chaffinch is much esteemed. 

 '' Gai comme pinion " is a proverb ; and in Germany they are ' 

 taught to sing matches against each other. 



While the Chaffinch sings on the orchard bough. 



Browning. 



She sits conceal'd 

 Within the nest deep-hollowed, well disguised 

 With lichens grey and mosses gradual blent, 

 As if it were a knurle in the bough. 



Gkahame— £irc?s of Scotland, 



FRINGILLA MONTIFRINGILLA— Brambling or 



Mountain-finch. 



The fox-glove tall— 

 . . . . Bends beneath the upspringing Lark 

 Or Mountain Finch alighting. 



Coleridge — The Keepsake. 



A frequent winter visitant to this county, but its numbers vary 

 greatly in different seasons. It is usually to be met with in all the 

 midland districts of the county, in small flocks, often associating 

 with Linnets, Chaffinches, and other small birds. 



