69 



chaffinches, and other small birds during hard weather ; it 

 varies greatly in its plumage." W. 



5. CARDUELIS. GOLDFINCH, OR GOLDSPINK. 



F. remigibus antrorsum luleis, extima immaculate, 

 rectricibus duabus extimis media reliquisque apice 

 albis. Shaw. 



The bill is white, black at the tip ; irides dusky ; 

 the forehead and chin are scarlet ; the top of the head 

 is black ; the cheeks are white ; the breast is pale 

 brown ; the belly white ; the wings are barred with 

 golden yellow ; the tail is black, with a white spot 

 on each feather; the legs are flesh colour. 



The goldfinch assembles in winter, in large flocks, 

 and frequent those places where thistles grow, to 

 feed upon the seed. 



The nest is formed of moss, dried grass and roots, 

 lined with wool, hair and thistle down. 



The female lays 5 whitish eggs, marked with purple 

 spots. 



6. SPINUS. SISKIN, OR ABERDAVINE. 



F. remigibus medio luteis, primis quatuor immacu- 

 latis, rectricibus basiflavis apice nigris. Shaw. 



The bill is white, tipped with black; the i ides are 

 dusky; the top of the head is black; the belly white ; 



