i82 FINCHES. 



hard vegetable substances is further shown by the structure of 

 their digestive organs, their oesophagus being dilated into a small 

 crop, in which seeds are stored and partially softened ; and they are 

 possessed of a powerful gizzard for the comminution of their food. 

 In some species the colours of the plumage are exceedingly rich 

 and beautifully combined, but the majority are clad in dull and 

 homely attire. The race of finches is distributed throughout all 

 the temperate parts of the world, and some are even met with in 

 the Arctic regions, since wherever vegetation exists, seeds are pro- 

 duced, and these, as we have seen, constitute their principal food. 



The birds belonging to this family usually frequent open and 

 cultivated places, but some prefer wild mountainous districts. 

 They live in flocks, several species sometimes associating together, 

 especially during the winter months. Those that reside in the 

 more northern parts of Europe migrate periodically to the warmer 

 provinces, and those that frequent the mountains seek the lower 

 ground on the approach of winter. Their song consists of three 

 or four notes, which in some, though short, possess great sweet- 

 ness, and are varied in delivery. Their nest is placed upon trees 

 and in the bushes of mountainous districts, or else in those of 

 gardens, orchards, and plantations. It is composed of grass, moss, 

 and lichens interwoven with wool, and lined interiorly with 

 feathers and hair. The eggs are four or five in number. 



This extensive family comprehends the Weaver-Birds, the 

 Plawfinches, the Tanagers, the Finches, the Buntings, the Larks, 

 the Bullfinches, the Cross-bills, and the Plant-cutters. 



Sub-Family I. 



THE WEAVERS. PLOCEIN.E.* 



General Characteristics. — Bill strong and conical, with the culmen projecting on 

 the forehead and arched to the tip, which is entire ; the wings somewhat rounded, 

 with the first quill remarkably short ; the legs and toes robust and strongly scaled, 

 and the hind toe strong and nearly as long as the middle toe. 



These birds inhabit India and Africa, where they are to be 

 seen on trees near the banks of rivers : they feed on small fruits, 



* tpXo/ci}, a web : so called from the skill with which their nests are woven. 



