SISKIN, OE ABERDEVINE— Fn-iijiVta spinus. 



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They are lively little birds, assembling in small flocks of eigbt or ten in number, and 

 haunting the edges of brooks and streams for the purpose of seeking the seeds of the elder 

 and other trees, on which they chiefly feed. Along the banks they are quick and active, 

 fluttering from one bough to another, nnd clinging in every imaginable attitude, with a 

 strength of limb and briskness of gesture much resembling the movements of the titmice. 

 While thus engaged, they constantly utter their sweet and gentle call-note, which is so 

 soft that bird-dealers are in the habit of pairing the Siskin with the canary, in order to 

 obtain a song-bird whose voice is not so ear-piercing as that of the pure canary. 



The nest of this bird is usually placed on the fork of a bough, and is composed 

 of wool, grass, hairs, and similar substances. The eggs are from three to five in number, 

 and the young are hatched in a fortnight, being able to take to wing in a mouth or five 

 weeks. 



The colouring of this bird is remarkable for the very peculiar green with wdiich most 

 of its plumage is tinged, and which is spread over the whole of its back and the upper 

 portions of its body. The centre of each feather of its back is dark olive-green. The top 

 of the head and the chin are black, and a light sulphur-yellow is found behind the ear, on 

 the neck, breast, and edge of the quill-feathers of the wings, upon the greater coverts, 

 and the tail. This yellow varies in quality and intensity, in some parts being sulphurous, 

 and in otliers of a ricli golden hue. The middle of the quill-feathers of the wings and 

 tail are black washed with olive ; the abdomen and under tail-coverts are white, 

 deepening into gi-ey on the flanks. The female is similarly coloured, but the hues are not 

 nearly so bright. In total length the Siskin measures rather more than five and a half 

 inches, the female bemg a little less. 



The Greenfinch is one of our commonest birds, being resident in this countiy 

 tliroughout the year, and not even requiring a partial migration. 



It is mcstly found in hedges, bushes, and copses, and as it is a bold and familiar bird, 

 is in the habit of frequenting the habitations of men, and even building its nest witliin 

 close proximity to houses or gardens. During the mild weather, the Greenfinch remains 



