PINCH TRIBE; GOLDFINCH, CANARY, BULLFINCH. 4*29 



spots for its nestling-place ; and when disturbed, it is said to 

 perch invariably upon the tallest tree in its neighbourhood. It 

 will become, however, very familiar in confinement. The Gold- 

 finch surpasses all other British Finches in beauty and docility ; 

 hence it is one of those most frequently kept in captivity. Its 



FIG. 228. HEAD OF GOLDFINCH ; MALE AND KEMALK. 



song, though soft and pleasing, is deficient in power. It is 

 chiefly remarkable for the beauty of its nest ; which is usually 

 in an orchard, large garden, or plantation, in the neighbourhood 

 of Man, therefore, but not in immediate proximity to him. The 

 nest, for the situation of which a dense evergreen is often selected, 

 is an elegant piece of workmanship ; being formed externally of 

 moss, lichens, dry grass, or wool ; and lined with hair, and with 

 the down of the willow or of the seeds of various composite 

 plants on which it feeds, such as the thistle, dandelion, ground- 

 sel, &c. The Canary, a native of the Canary islands, is nearly 

 allied to our own Goldfinch in its general structure ; though in 

 some respects resembling the Linnets. It has long been bred in 

 confinement in this country ; and now appears quite reconciled 

 to its situation, its habits being so completely altered, that it 

 cannot find its subsistence if set free and left to its own resources. 

 The wild Canary, which is still found in Madeira, builds in the 

 immediate neighbourhood of the towns ; and is a most delight- 

 ful songster, much surpassing the domesticated race in power of 

 voice. It breeds very rapidly ; hatching five or even six broods, 

 of four or five eggs each, in the course *of every season. The 

 Bullfinch is remarkable for the degree in which its voice may be 

 improved by training; its native song is low, soft, and pleasing, 

 but inaudible at a short distance ; it may be taught, however, to 



