THE SISKIN. 



517 



Fig. 226. — Bullfinches (Loxia pyrrhula, Penn.). 



The Bullfinches [Fijrrhula vulgaris, Gould), Fig. 236, are 

 pretty little birds. Their 

 cheeks, breast, and belly 

 are a bright crimson, 

 shaded with orange red ; 

 grey rovmd the shoulders, 

 with black head. They^ 

 feed on various kinds of 

 seeds or berries. They 

 are easily tamed, being 

 of a gentle, docile dis- 

 position. Their attach- 

 ment to their master, 

 and the ease with which 

 they are taught to pipe, 

 are their principal recom- 

 mendations. In their 

 natural state they construct their nest in the most inaccessible 

 part of the thicket, usually in a black or white thorn bush. This 

 is composed of small diy 

 twigs, lined with fibrous 

 roots. 



The Siskin {Carduelis 

 spinus, Yarrell), Fig. 

 227, may be mentioned 

 among the numerous 

 songsters which charm 

 with their melodious 

 notes. It is very pretty, 

 although less richly co- 

 loured than the Gold- 

 finch and others, its con- 

 geners. It is neat and 

 compact in form ; its bill 

 resembles that of the 

 Goldfinch, but is more 

 compressed, the two man- 

 dibles in some specimens meeting only at the base. The plumage 

 is soft, blended, and glossy. 



Fig. 227.— Siskins {FriiujUla spinus, Penn.). 



