COMMON BRITISH BIRDS 23 



A ote. A pleasing, sprightly song ; also utters a 

 r usical call-note. 



Distinguishing Feature. The flash ol gold on wings 

 and the black on head contrasting with white cheeks and 

 scarlet on forehead. Neat dapper little bird. Fond 

 of feeding on seeds of thistles and dandelion. 



Nest. Neat structure, moss, &c., lined hair, often in 

 apple-tree. 



Eggs. Pale bluish-white, spotted purple and brown 



Haunts. Fields. 



GREENFINCH. (R. Finches.) 



Size. Sparrow. Heavily built about the head and 

 neck. 



Colour. Yellowish -green all over, primary quill- 

 feathers in wing edged yellow, four of the outer tuil- 

 feathers on each side also yellow. The female bird 

 more dull. 



Note. A few faint sibilant notes, followed by a long- 

 drawn ' twwee-ee,' the last being often the only one 

 heard if the bird is a little distance away. Also a 

 musical twitter, often uttered as it flies. 



Distinguishing Feature. The green colour of the 

 plumage, with thick beak and bull -dog head. When in 

 flight the yellow shows up distinctly on each side of the 

 tail. The long-drawn note as above. 



Nest. In hedges, moss, dried grass, a few twigs, 

 lined with hair. Not so tidy as that of the Chaffinch. 



Eggs. White with a few purplish-red spots at larger 

 end. 



Haunts. Gardens and hedgerows. 



GROUSE, RED. (R. Game Bird. Grouse.) 



Size. Pigeon, large. 



Colour. General colour, a dark mixture of deep chest- 

 nut, brown, and black. Wing-quills and tail black. 

 Above the eyes is a bare scarlet snot. The lees and 

 toes are feathered. 



Note. A harsh call. 



Distinguishing Feature. The Red Grouse flies up 

 suddenly from under one's feet, in much the same man- 

 ner as the Partridge ; but the larger size and darker 

 colour will distinguish the t\vo species, apart from the 

 difference in the situation (see Haunts). 



Nest. On ground among' the heather. 



