40 BRITISH BIRDS. WITH THEIR NESTS AND EGGS. 



The Emberizincc, or Buntings, of which our Yellow Ammer may be considered 

 typical, have a well-marked angle to the chin ; the lower mandible terminating 

 well within the upper one, and not completely closing in the centre of the cutting 

 edge ; the more typical Buntings also have a hard horny knob on the palate, and 

 a compression of the lower mandible to meet it ; they also walk when on the 

 earth, and are largely insectivorous (in which respects they approach the Chaffinch 

 and Brambling among the true Finches.) : many Buntings, however, are not walking 

 birds. 



The Fringillida: are favourite cage-birds, chiefly on account of the ease with 

 which their food can be provided. 



Family FR ING ILL IDs. Subfamily COCCOTHRA 



THE GREENFINCH. 



Ligurinus chloris, LINN. 



OF the geographical distribution of the Greenfinch, Dr. Sharpe says that it 

 inhabits: " Kurope generally; the countries bordering the Mediterranean; 

 accidental in Madeira; extending eastwards in Persia and North-western Turkestan." 



In Great Britain this common and well-known Grosbeak is generally distri- 

 buted, breeding in all suitable localities ; but to the Orkneys, Hebrides, and 

 Shetlands, it is chiefly an autumn and winter visitant. 



The Greenfinch varies considerably as regards brillance of colouring ; the birds 

 of the spring immigration being stated to be much paler and brighter in colouring 

 than the resident birds : the latter are largely added to in the autumn, by the 

 advent of immense flocks which arrive in October on our eastern coasts. 



The adiilt male above is yellowish olive, more yellow on the forehead and 

 rump ; greater coverts grey ; primary coverts edged with yellowish ; primaries 



