CARPODACUS GITHAGINEUS. 123 
169. Chrysomitris spinus^ Linn. The Siskin. 
Spanish. Liigano. 
I have not any information of the occurrence of the Siskin 
on the African side of the Straits. In Andalucia they are 
very irregular in appearance, in some winters not being 
noticed at all. The Spaniards say they only come every 
seventh year. This idea is prevalent about Sevillcj as well as 
near Gibraltar ; but is, I need not say, a popular error. 
In the winter of 1870-71 they were plentiful wherever 
there were any alder trees ; and I saw some as late as the 4th 
of April. In the two previous winters, and during the one 
following, none were obtained by the birdcatchers, who are 
always looking out for them, as they are much desired and 
fetch a good price as cage-birds. Daring my last visit I saw 
four on a cotton-poplar tree in the Alameda at Gibraltar, on 
the 24th of March ; they were so tame as to allow of my 
approach within a yard of them, and remained for a long 
time close to me. 
170. Serinus hortulanus, Koch. The Serin Finch. 
'' This bird is very abundant near Tangier, both as a 
resident and on migration, when they are seen passing north 
in immense flights during February, returning in October 
and November.^' — Favier. 
The Serin Finch is found on the Spanish side in accordance 
with the above note. During the breeding-season they greatly 
frequent the Cork-wood, and their hissing unpleasant song is 
to be heard all around. They chiefly seem to keep to the 
banks of rivers, nesting in May on trees and bushes, like the 
Goldfinch, resembling that bird both in their nest and eggs. 
The Citril Finch [Dryospiza citrinella) I never succeeded 
in obtaining on either side of the Straits. 
171. Carpodacus GITHAGINEUS, Licht. The Desert- 
Bullfinch. 
This species is mentioned by Mr. Drake as being seen in 
the south of Morocco. 
The adults are easily known by their rosy-tinted plumage 
