132 THE BIRDS OF SUSSEX. 



SISKIN. 



Carduelis spinus. 



The Siskin is an irregular autumn and winter visitant^ 

 arriving about October^ when the seeds of the alder are its 

 principal attraction^ and occasionally congregating in large 

 numbers. It may then be found among copses and marshy 

 land^ or on open commons and boggy places bordering the 

 little streams in St. Leonards forest, in the gills — a Sussex 

 term signifying the deep wooded ravines — wherever the alder 

 abounds^ the seeds of which form its favourite food, and, in 

 search of that seed its attitudes are very like those of the 

 Titmice, as often as not head downwards. At this time it 

 is so tame that I have more than once heard of its being 

 caught with a noose at the end of a fishing-rod. While it is 

 feeding it keeps up a constant twittering. In the winter of 

 1871 or 1872 a flock frequented, for a few days, some old 

 alders at the head of the upper pond at Woldringfold, near 

 Cowfoldj three or four of which were sent to me. I have 

 also seen it busily engaged on the seeds of the birch. It is 

 in high estimation as a cage-bird, and is often taken in the 

 clap-net. It will breed freely with the Canary-bird. In my 

 own notes I find, that in October 1839, several, males and 

 females, were caught at Hove. It has frequently been 

 observed among alders, near the Hassocks Station of the 

 L. B. and S. C. Railway, and, at the proper season, it may 

 be met with wherever that tree is plentiful. In Mr. Jeff'ery's 

 p. n. I find the following remark : — " July 3rd, 1867. I 

 have just heard from Mr. G. Drewitt, of Oving, that a pair 

 of Siskins have built, and hatched out their young, in the 

 garden of Mr. Birrell, the rector of that parish. ^^ Mr. 

 Jeffery also records (Zoologist, p. 597), that on October 



