192 BIRDS OF TUNISIA. 



Total length 5 inches, wing 3-10, culmen -50, tarsus -60. 

 Adult female rather duller in colouring than the male, and slightly 

 smaller. 



The Goldfinch is one of the commonest birds in North Tunisia, 

 both as a resident and as a migrant, occurring in large flocks through- 

 out the winter months and periods of migration, and in pairs during 

 the breeding season. In the more southern districts of the Regency, 

 however, it is far less abundant, and is to be found chiefly during the 

 winter or on passage, but in some of the oases it appears to be 

 resident, and I have taken nests of the species in the Gafsa oasis in 

 April. The semi-cultivated plains of North Tunisia and extensive 

 olive-groves, with their undergrowth of thistles and other weeds, are 

 its favourite haunts, and vast numbers are to be found there during 

 the colder months. By the middle of April most of the migrants have 

 departed, and the resident birds are then generally to be met with in 

 gardens and orchards, or similar secluded spots, to which they have 

 retired for the breeding season. 



The food of the Goldfinch in its natural state consists chiefly of 

 the seeds of the thistle and other wild plants, but in captivity it will 

 eat almost anything. 



It is easily domesticated, and owing to its bright plumage and 

 lively, engaging ways, is much prized as a cage-bird. Its song, too, 

 although not particularly varied or melodious, is fairly pleasing, and 

 may be improved by placing the bird near a Canary or some other 

 good songster, whose superior notes are soon acquired. Its call note 

 is a sharp " tweet." The Goldfinch mates readily with the Canary, 

 the offspring being a very handsome hybrid or "mule," and it will 

 also mate with some other Finches. Albinism is of frequent 

 occurrence in the Goldfinch. 



The nest of the present species is one of the most beautiful of all 

 birds' nests. It is generally placed in the fork of a low tree, and is 

 a compact cup-shaped structure, composed of fine grasses, mosses, and 

 lichens, plentifully lined with thistle-down, or at times with a little 

 wool or hair. The eggs, four or five in number, are of a delicate 

 bluish-white, slightly streaked and spotted with lake and reddish- 

 brown. Average measurements 16 x 13 mm. 



The resident Goldfinch of North-west Africa which breeds in that 

 country is considered by some ornithologists to differ from typical 



