14 FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



and runs down the chest along the breast-hone to the 

 under parts ; on either side the breast and flanks are dull 

 sulphur-yellow. The female is not so handsome, and 

 the bluish tint upon the head is not so bright, which also 

 applies to general plumage. 



This species has an intermediate beak between the 

 finches and warblers, being strong, short, sharp-pointed, 

 and hard. They are therefore able to feed very variously, 

 although they are more truly insectivorous, and may be 

 seen searching the leaves of trees in quest of insects or 

 their eggs, and will run up and along branches, capturing 

 those insects that have taken refuge in the bark. In 

 their search they are most indefatigable, hanging to the 

 leaves and branches, calling to one another meanwhile ; for 

 although not extremely gregarious, they generally feed in 

 parties of seven or eight, and will often visit hedgerows 

 and gardens, orchards and thickets. In winter, too, they 

 visit towns, and may then be often heard uttering their 

 querulous little call. These birds, however, do not disdain 

 to feed upon all kinds of grain, and will even steal the 

 Indian corn thrown down in the woods by the gamekeepers 

 for pheasants; they are also very fond of sunflower seels, 

 and may often be seen in town gardens feeding off them. 

 They hold their food in their feet, and break it up by 

 repeated blows of their hard, sharp beak. Some have been 

 observed to visit beehives, and tap at the hive until a bee 

 comes out and is captured ; the bird then flies off, possibly 

 for fear of the indignation of the rest of the hive, to some 

 neighbouring tree or shrub, where it may be seen quietly 

 eating it whilst holding the carcase in the claw. This 

 manoeuvre will be repeated many times, to the dismay 

 of the owners. 



