SONG-BIRDS 



177 



cipally on the seeds of forest-trees, and especially of weeds. The beak is 

 short, thick, and conical, and has sharp edges ; it is therefore well 

 adapted for removing the husks of seeds. Being largely restricted to the 



CHAFFINCHES. (Three-eighths natural size.) 



ground in the search for food, the feet of the finch are strong and 

 excellently adapted for hopping. (Compare, on the other hand, the 

 swallow.) At the end of the breeding season the birds collect in flocks 

 and rove about the country. At the end of October they depart for their 



