258 Birds. 



THE BULLFINCH. (Loxia pyrrhula.) 



THIS is a very docile bird, and will nearly imitate the 

 sound of a pipe, or the whistle of man, with its voice, the 

 mellowness of which is really charming. It is, by bird- 

 fanciers, considered to excel all other small birds, except 

 the linnet, in the softness of its tones, and in the variety 

 of its notes. In captivity, its melody seems to be as great 

 a solace to itself, as it is a pleasure to its master. By day, 

 and even when the evening has called for the artificial 

 light of candles, the Bullfinch pursues his melodious 

 exertions, and if there be any other birds in the apart- 

 ment, awakes them gently to the pleasing task of singing 

 in concert with him. His notes are upon one of the 

 lowest keys of the gamut of birds. 



The plumage of the Bullfinch is beautiful, though 

 simple and uniform, consisting only of three or four 

 colours. In the male, a lovely scarlet or crimson 

 colour adorns the breast, throat, and jaws, as far as the 

 eyes ; the crown of the head is black ; the rump and tail 

 are white; the neck and back grey, or lead-coloured. 

 The name of this bird originates from its head and neck 

 being, like those of the bull, very large in proportion to 

 the body. The female does not share with the male the 

 brightness of colours in the plumage. Bullfinches build 

 their nests in gardens and orchards, and particularly in 

 places that abound in fruit-trees, as they are passionately 

 fond of fruit, which they often destroy before it is ripe. 



