CHAFFINCH, 



T91 



on insects and their larvae, when procurable. Their song consists 

 of three or four notes, which, though short, frequently possess 

 great sweetness and are agreeably varied. The nest of some is 

 formed upon trees and in bushes of mountainous districts, while 

 others prefer gardens, orchards, and plantations : it is composed 

 of grass, moss, and lichens, interwoven with v/ool, and lined with 

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

 The type of this sub-family is — 





Fig. ioi.*— Nest of Goldfinch 



y^ 



The Chaffinch {Fringilla Calebs). The chaffinch is generally spread 

 through Europe from Sweden to Gibraltar, and is even found on the coast of 

 Africa. Some of these birds migrate in great numbers in autumn ; but these 

 flocks are said to consist of females only, while the males remain in their native 

 country; indeed, the specific name {ca-lcbs^ or "the bachelor") given by Lin- 

 na.us to this bird, is in allusion to the lonely condition of the deserted males. 

 It is not impossible, however, that there may be some mistake in this, for from 

 the moulting-time to the month of February, and more particularly in autumn, 

 the two sexes exhibit colours nearly similar. At all ev-ents, it is quite certain 

 that many females remain, as well as males, and assist in forming, together 

 with the tree-finches, greenfinches, buntings, and other birds, those innumer- 

 able flocks which dunng winter are seen in our fields, and which, when the 

 earth is covered with snow, come before our barns to share the daily food of 

 our domestic fowls. From the early days of spring they begin to pair^ and the 

 mated couples isolate themselves. Some resort to our gardens and orchards, 



