34 THE NESTS AND EGGS OF BRITISH BIRDS. 



inch in length, by "55 inch in breadth. Incubation, 

 performed by both sexes, but the greater part by the 

 female, lasts fourteen days. 



Diagnostic characters : As a rule the e^^gs of the 

 Tree Sparrow may be distinguished from those of the 

 House Sparrow by their smaller size and more glossy 

 texture. They do not vary so much in colour as the 

 eggs of the latter species. In any case, however, they 

 require careful identification, as the characteristics are 

 too poorly defined to be absolutely reliable. 



Family FRINGILLID.E. Genus Frixgilla. 



Sub-family FRINGILLIN^. 



GREENFINCH. 



Fringilla chloris {LmncEus). 



Double Brooded. Laying season, April to July, and even 

 August. 



British breeding area : Breeds more or less com- 

 monly in all the wooded districts throughout the British 

 Islands. Its breeding area has been largely increased 

 within the last fifty years, owing to the extensive plant- 

 ing of trees in many localities. 



Breeding habits : The principal breeding-haunts 

 of the Greenfinch are in the well-cultivated districts, in 

 shrubberies, parks, and gardens, and in the tall hedge- 

 rows of the lowland farms, in lanes, and on commons. 

 The Greenfinch appears to pair annually, although I am 

 of opinion that each pair of birds remain in company 

 until two or three broods are reared, a new nest being 

 made for each. The Greenfinch is remarkably social 

 during the breeding season, and several nests may 



