T&F. BLACKBIRD THE BULFINCH. 303 



about eleven inches in length, and of the weight of 

 nearly five ounces. The latter is considerably less, 

 and the speckles on its breast are of smaller dimen- 

 sions, and more intimately blended. 



The thrush is of a dusky-brown on the body and 

 wings, and the speckled plumage of its throat is a 

 mixture of brown and yellow. It is one of the sweet- 

 est songsters of the groves, and its deep-toned notes 

 are equally remarkable for their variety, long con- 

 tinuance, and melodious inflection. It pours its de- 

 lightful strains from the top of some high tree ; but 

 descends to the lowly bush or the hawthorn hedge to 

 construct its nest. 



THE BLACK-BIRD 



is universally known in this country for hs- deep- 

 toned melody, and the variety of its sonorous inflec- 

 tions. This bird, indeed, when heard at a proper 

 distance, excels, perhaps, any of the inhabitants of 

 the groves, unless the nightingale be admitted as an 

 exception. The black-bird may be taught to whistle 

 any tune, and even to imitate the human voice. 



THE BULFINCH, 



although small, is a beautiful objeci. IB the male 

 the head, wings, and tail are principally black : the 

 throat and breast, a deep, crimson. The colours of 

 the female are much fainter, and she is considerably 

 inferior in beauty. This bird is common in most 

 parts of the European continent, but is somewhat 

 scarce in this island. In the countries where it 

 abounds, it frequents orchards and gardens for the 

 sake of the insects which feed upon the foliage of 

 trees and plants, and thereby renders an. essential ser- 

 yice to the proprietors. 



The bulfinch is not remarkable for the agreeable- 

 ness or the variety of its natural notes, but when tam- 

 ed is wonderfully docile,, and possesses so eminent a 

 talent tor imitation, that it may be taught to whistle 

 any tune with the greatest exactness. 



" I know a curioug person," says the authou of the 

 ^donologie, " who having whistled some aips quite 

 glaiu to a, bujfinch, was surprised to hear the bird 



t 



