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THE CHAFFINCH. 



made of the same materials as those commonly used by the 

 HOUSQ Sparrow, chiefly hay and feathers, and contains four 

 or five eggs, similar in colour to those of that bird, but 

 smaller. It is active and lively, feeds on seeds and grain, 

 together with insects and buds ; has a note similar to that 

 of its cousin, but shriller. Mr. Blyth says that ' its song 

 consists of a number of shrill chirps, intermixed with some 

 pleasing notes, delivered in a continuous unbroken strain, 

 sometimes for many minutes together very loudly, but 

 having a characteristic Sparrow-like tone throughout.' 



CHAFFINCH. 



THE CHAFFINCH (Fnngilla coelebs\ variously known as 

 the Beech or Stone Finch, Pink, Spink, Twink, Shelly, 

 Shell-apple, Shilfa, Chaffy. One of the most beautiful 

 and familiar birds this, of the Passerine family, presenting 

 all the characteristics of the true Finch, and therefore 

 placed in the genus Fringilla. It is about six inches and 

 a quarter long, and has a sufficiently variegated plumage 

 to make its appearance very striking. The upper part of 

 the head and neck are greyish blue, the fore part of the 

 neck and breast purplish red ; the back is reddish brown, 

 and the rump yellowish green ; there is a black band across 

 the forehead, and the feathers of the larger wing coverts 

 are edged with white. 



