i86 RURAL BIRD LIFE. 



their buds for grubs, or sometimes feeding on the buds 

 themselves. He delights to pay the orchard a visit, 

 and, perched in the cherry tree, we see him and his mate — 

 for they seldom or never flock, but go in pairs the winter 

 through — going over the branches, shelling out the buds, 

 and exploring every nook and cranny like the little Tit- 

 mice do ; and ever and anon they utter their peculiar 

 piping call notes. When the bare boughs begin to don 

 their verdure the Bullfinch is more rarely seen, for he 

 now retires with his mate to the most secluded thickets, 

 where he will build his nest. 



About this time, too, we hear his low soft piping 

 song, given forth as though its author were afraid of 

 warbling higher for fear of being noticed. The Black- 

 cap warbler, though he loves retirement well, still will 

 sometimes boldly advance and warble long and loud 

 within a few feet of you ; the Chaffinch, again, will pour 

 out his spirited warbles close beside you as you wander 

 through his haunts ; but the shy and retiring Bullfinch 

 never does so, and it is nine times out of ten that you 

 are favoured by accident in hearing his low tuneful 

 melody. 



The Bullfinch, from what I have observed of its 

 habits and economy, I pronounce to be a life-paired 

 species. When the mellow leaves of autumn are falling, 

 if the Bullfinch is seen his mate bears him company ; in 

 winter, as the bird wanders over the naked branches, it is 

 in company with his mate ; and when the vernal sun 

 bids annual birds seek the company of a mate, and 

 strife reigns amongst them, the Bullfinch is a peaceful 

 species, for his mate has not to be sought for, and 

 wherever his bright charming colours are seen, his mate 

 in her more sober garb is not far away. Though a bird 

 be of fine form and handsome colours, these attributes 



