Migratory Birds of Madeira and the Canaries. 213 



of the yellow domesticated variety so well known throughout 

 Europe, and so much prized for its song, in which respect the 

 latter is certainly superior to its wild ancestor. It is exceedingly 

 common in the Canaries, Madeira, and Azores, and is captured 

 in each and sold in large numbers. It feeds chiefly on seeds, 

 and is very destructive in the cultivated land. The cock birds 

 delight to fly some height in the air, to descend perpendicularly 

 with outstretched wings, and to alight on the highest branch of 

 a tree, singing all the time like some of the Larks. The female 

 builds hgr nest of moss lined with wool, and places it in a low 

 tree or bush ; she lays from four to six eggs, which are like 

 those of the Serine [Serinus hortulanus), only rather larger. 



51. PyRRHULA GITHAGINEA (Licht.). 



W. &B. Orn. Can. p. 19; Bolle, J. fiir Orn. 1854, p. 459, 

 and 1857, p. 319. 



Both the above authorities say this Bullfinch is not uncommon 

 in the two eastern islands, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura ; but 

 as I was unable to visit either of these islands, I did not meet 

 with it. I do not believe it is found further west. 



52. Sturnus vulgaris, Linn. 



W. &B. Orn. Can. 11; Bolle, J. fiir Orn. 1854, p. 452, 

 and 1857, p. 277; Vern. Hare. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist, 

 ser. 2, 1855, xv. p. 437. 



According to Bolle the Starling is a regular winter visitant to 

 the pine woods of Tenerifi'e ; it is less commonly seen in Fuerte- 

 ventura. Perhaps, as it does not breed in the islands, it might 

 more properly be placed amongst the accidental stragglers. Webb 

 and Berthelot consider it occasional in Canaries; and Vernon 

 Harcourt gives it in his list of stragglers to Madeira. In the 

 Azores it is a common and resident species. 



53. fCoRVus CORAX, Linn. 



W. & B. Orn. Can. p. 9 ; Bolle, J. fiir Orn. 1854, p. 450, 

 and 1857, p. 275 ; Vern. Hare. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. ser. 2, 

 1855, XV. p. 437. 



Everywhere abundant in the Canarian group, where it may 

 sometimes be seen in large flocks. Its habits are the same as 

 in other parts. In Madeira it only occurs occasionally. 



