216 BULLFINCH AND CARDINAL GROSSBEAK. 



The hawfinch is about seven inches long, and thirteen 

 broad. The bill is funnel-shaped, strong, and thick. The 

 .whole under-side is of a dirty flesh colour ; the back and 

 coverts of the wings are of a deep brown, and those of 

 the tail of a yellowish bay. It builds its nest between 

 the partings of the branches, about twelve feet from the 

 ground ; forming it with great care and ingenuity. 



THE BULLFINCH. 



This bird is so generally known as almost to supersede 

 the necessity of description. The head, wings, and tailj 

 are black ; and the breast and belly red : in the female? 

 however, the under parts are brownish. 



The bullfinch is common in most parts of the continent 

 of Europe, and is by no means rare in England. It builds 

 its nest in bushes, and brings forth its young about the 

 end of May. In winter it frequents orchards and gardens, 

 for the sake of the insects that lodge in the tender buds ; 

 and on this account may be considered as a benefactor to 

 mankind, though usually destroyed as an enemy. 



In a wild state its note is not remarkably pleasing ; but 

 when tamed it becomes docile in a great degree, and may 

 be taught to whistle notes in the justest manner. It is also 

 occasionally trained to speak ; and, from its great tracta- 

 bility, is frequently confined in cages, the only reward 

 which its agreeable qualities procure it. 



THE CARDINAL GROSSBEAK. 



There are various species of the grossbeak, (so called 

 from the thickness of its bill,) but this has the best 

 claim to attention. The head is adorned with a fine crest, 

 and the rest of the body is of a beautiful red. The female, 

 however, is of a reddish brown. 



This species is a native of several parts of North Ame- 

 rica ; and, from the superiority of its song, has obtained 

 the appellation of the nightingale of that continent. 

 During spring and summer, it perches on the top of the 

 loftiest trees ; singing early in the morning, and piercing 



