The Burgess Bird Book for Children 



plenty of worms and bugs any time during the 

 summer. Just as soon as the children are big 

 enough to hunt their own food they need seeds, so 

 there is no sense in trying to raise a family until 

 there are plenty of seeds for them when needed. 

 Meanwhile we are having a good time. How do 

 you like my summer suit, Peter ?" 



" It's beautiful," cried Peter. "I wouldn't know 

 you for the same bird I see so often in the late fall 

 and sometimes in the winter. I don't know of 

 anybody who makes a more complete change. 

 That black cap certainly is very smart and be- 

 coming." 



Chicoree cocked his head on one side, the better 

 to show off that black cap. The rest of his head 

 and his whole body were bright yellow. His wings 

 were black with two white bars on each. His tail 

 also was black, with some white on it. In size he 

 was a little smaller than Linnet and altogether one 

 of the smartest appearing of all the little people who 

 wear feathers. It was a joy just to look at him. 

 If Peter had known anything about Canaries, which 

 of course he didn't, because Canaries are always 

 kept in cages, he would have understood why 

 Chicoree the Goldfinch is often called the Wild 

 Canary. 



Mrs. Goldfinch now joined her handsome mate 

 and it was plain to see that she admired him quite 

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