BRITAINS BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 253 

 THE SISKIN 



(Carduelis spinus). 



The Siskin is a near ally of the Goldfinch. Its 

 habits are similar, and it is likewise a good songster. 

 The blackish chin and crown, and the yellowish eye- 

 streak, breast, and rump are distinctive features of the 

 plumage, as are the small dark streaks especially marked 

 on the light under-parts. It nests freely, if locally, in 

 the fir-woods of the north of Scotland and of parts 

 of Ireland ; less numerously in the south of Scotland 

 and the north of England ; and exceptionally in the 

 south of England, where it is chiefly known as a winter 

 visitor. The four to six eggs are bluish white, speckled 

 with dull lilac and reddish brown. ' Aberdevine ' is an 

 old name. 



THE HOUSE=SPARROW 



(Passer domesticus). 

 Plate 82. 



The Sparrow is practically ubiquitous and a pest. 

 These are the salient features of its position as a British 

 bird. Some of the most elevated and isolated localities 

 and some of the smallest and most baiTen islets know 

 it not ; but otherwise it is abundant throughout our 

 area wherever there are human dwelling-places and fields 

 of grain. In some northern districts, however, it has 

 only recently established itself with the increase of cereal 

 growing. So far as we can tell at present it is quite 

 resident and sedentary. 



What is true of the British Isles is almost as true 



