GREENFINCH. 155 



colour, but the males are usually reddish, varied with 

 brown or green ; and the females are somewhat of an 

 olive-green. 



Bullfinch. The name of these birds has been derived 

 from their large and thick head and bill. Bullfinches 

 are inhabitants of nearly all parts of Europe. They 

 frequent gardens in the spring of the year, and are 

 believed to do much damage, by picking off and eating 

 the young bloom-buds of the fruit-trees ; but it is more 

 than probable, that they chiefly select those which have 

 been perforated by, and contain insects. They breed 

 rather late in the spring, seldom having young ones 

 before the end of May, or beginning of June. They 

 prefer, for the place of their nest, an orchard, wood, 

 or park, where there are many trees. The nest is of 

 the simplest construction possible, and seldom has more 

 than five eggs, which are of a bluish colour, marked, at 

 the large end, with dark brown and faint reddish spots. 

 The Bullfinch, when properly trained, is remarkably 

 docile, and may be instructed to whistle almost any 

 simple tune. He will come when called, and, perching 

 on his master's shoulder at command, will there go 

 through his lesson. He may likewise be taught to 

 speak. 



The bill of this bird is black, short, and very thick. 

 The neck and back are ash-coloured. The head and 

 tail are black, as are also the wings, except the upper 

 coverts, which, with the rump, are white. The Bullfinch 

 is a very common bird throughout Europe. 



Greenfinch. Greenfinches were formerly in request, 

 not so much as singing-birds, as for ringing bells in a 

 cage contrived for the purpose. If, however, they are 



