GOLDFINCH 



GOLDIE GOLDSPINK THISTLE-FINCH RED-CAP. 

 PLATE LXXXVL 



Carduelis elegans, . . . . MACGILLIVRAY. 

 Fringilla carduelis, . . . LINN^US. LATHAM. 



"*HE nest, which is a beautifully wrought structure, is 

 placed in orchard and other trees, especially those which 

 are evergreen, in bushes, and in some instances in hedges, 

 and at times as much as thirty feet from the ground: it is 

 composed externally of grass, moss, lichens, small twigs, and 

 roots or any other appropriate substances. Inside it is elabo- 

 rately interwoven with wool and hair, lined with the down of 

 willows and various plants, and sometimes a few or more 

 leaves or feathers. It is very neatly finished, and Bolton 

 says is completed in three days. It is often placed in 

 frequented situations, without much regard to passers-by. 

 The same place is resorted to in successive years. Two 

 broods are generally reared every season. 



The eggs, four or five in number, are bluish or pale 

 greyish white, sometimes tinged with brown, and are slightly 

 spotted with greyish purple and brown, with occasionally a 

 dark streak or two. 



The spots vary considerably in depth of colour, from 

 greyish purple to dark brown, or even black. 



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