THE SISKIN. 



The Siskin, sometimes called the black-headed 

 thistlefinch, in point of beauty will bear no com- 

 parison with the goldfinch, although possessing 

 this recommendation in a high degree. The prevail- 

 ing color of plumage is a 3^ellowish green, elegantly 

 marked and shaded with black ; a neat little bird, 

 with a short tail, and stout beak ; the top of the head 

 is altogether black, hence one of its names. 



This, as well as the goldfinch and linnet, is one of 

 the species used in crossing with the canary. In 

 Europe a favorite cage-bird, and really a beautifully 

 plumaged one. Their song is short and low, though 

 very agreeable, and they imitate with facility the 

 notes of various birds. Caged, they should be fed 

 on maw-seed mixed with crushed hemp. As they 

 are a greedy bird, care must be taken not to feed 

 them too much. In health or sickness their treat- 

 ment, except feeding, should be the same as the 

 canary. 



39 



