74 - FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



peculiarly melancholy ! The Bullfinch, however, becomes 

 particularly tame. 



Though possessing such handsome plumage, the Bull- 

 finch is somewhat heavily built, the shape of the head 

 and. thickness of the throat having undoubtedly earned 

 its name. 



In general arrangement of plumage, the hen is some- 

 what similar to the nfale, exftept that the splendid red 

 of the breast and grey of the back is supplied by a dull 

 brown. 



An inhabitant of the whole of England, Scotland, and 

 Ireland, it is also well known upon the continent, the 

 Russian Bullfinches being renowned for their exceptionally 

 large size, whilst Germany is the head-quarters of the 

 " piping schools.'" The Bullfinches of Sussex, too, are 

 notable, most of the prize birds at the Crystal Palace 

 and. other shows of late years having emanated from 

 that neighbourhood. 



The Bullfinch is extremely fond of trees and hedge- 

 rows, sheltered woods and thickets, but in early spring 

 will quit those haunts for gardens and orchards, in its 

 search for food ; and it is at this time that it is often 

 found picking the buds of the fruit-trees. Many a con- 

 troversy has been the consequence, and ingenious apologists 

 have suggested that u Bully " is only picking out the insect- 

 eaten buds ; but we fear that in few cases would he choose 

 a damaged one for the sake of the insect if a rich fruit- 

 blossom bud were near. In autumn the ripe blackberries 

 that abound in woods and thickets are a favourite food. 

 Later, in winter, privet berries and dockseeds are its staple ; 

 and the Bullfinch may be seen in country roads making 

 a meal upon the docks and plantains that grow by the 



