BRITAINS BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 251 



and at the close it had been known to nest in almost 

 every English coiinty, although as yet abundant only in 

 the more south-easterly districts. The increase and ex- 

 tension have since continued, and the Hawfinch is now 

 common except in the extreme north and west, while a 

 steady diffusion over Wales has been noted. There are 

 still only exceptional nesting records from Scotland and 

 Ireland, but winter occurrences in these countries are 

 widespread and not infrequent, although the species is 

 only very slightly migratory. The rapid extension is 

 ascribed to the increase of plantations and of market- 

 gardens, the first affording nesting - sites and cover, the 

 second abundant food at the critical season. 



As indicated, the nest is generally placed in a tree. It 

 is a rather shallow structure of twigs and lichens, lined 

 with fibres, and sometimes with hair as well. The eggs 

 are four or five in number. On a ground of greenish 

 tint are bold random spots and streaks of light - grayish 

 and dark - greenish brown. When the birds are un- 

 molested only one clutch is laid in a season. 



The hen is duller in colour than her mate, and in 

 winter the bill of both birds becomes pale horn-coloiu-. 

 In the young it is greener, and the plumage is much 

 duller and paler, with much barring and mottling. 



THE GOLDFINCH 



(Carduelis elegans). 



Plate 81. 



Possessing a bright and handsome plumage and an 

 excellent and pleasing song, the Goldfinch is naturally 

 in considerable demand as a cage-bird. This demand 

 has, unhappily, been only too well met, and the profes- 



