GOLDFINCH. 



Carduelis carduelis. 



Char. Forehead and throat crimson ; cheeks and lower throat white ; 

 crown and nape black, the latter being bordered by a narrow line of 

 white ; back brown ; wings black, tipped with white and barred with 

 yellow; tail-coverts white with black bases; three outer tail-feathers 

 black, with white central spots, the remainder black, tipped with white ; 

 breast white, banded with brownish buff; flanks buffy; belly and under 

 tail-coverts white. Length about 5 inches. 



Nest. In an orchard or garden, placed in a fork of a tree or bush ; a 

 compact and neatly made structure of fine grass and moss, lined with 

 grass and plant down, etc. 



Eggs. 4-6 ; dull white tinged with blue or green, spotted and streaked 

 with purplish brown ; 0.70 X 0.50. 



This European songster has been introduced within recent years, 

 and though increasing slowly, appears to be thoroughly naturalized. 



It is most abundant near Hoboken, N. J., where a number were 

 set at liberty in 1878, but examples have been taken in other States. 

 A nest and eggs were discovered in Cambridge some ten years 

 ago, and during the summer of 1890-. a nest was taken near 

 Worcester, Mass. 



In Great Britain it is very common, and breeds north to Caith- 

 ness, and one nest has been taken on the south .side of Skye. 



The young are fed on insects and larvae ; but Mr. Saunders says 

 "the principal food of the Goldfinch consists of seeds of the thistle^ 

 knapweed, groundsel, dock, and other plants." 



VOL. I. — 23 



