186 BRITISH LAND BIRDS. 



but it is now ascertained to be a resident through- 

 out the year in some localities. It is particularly 

 abundant at Epping Forest; its principal food 

 there, being the seed of the hornbeam, a tree 

 very prevalent in that locality. The extreme shy- 

 ness of this bird is said to exceed that of every 

 other land bird, so that it is very difficult to gain 

 any acquaintance with its habits. When the young 

 birds are able to provide for themselves they unite 

 with the old ones in flocks, and remain so through- 

 out the winter, feeding on the hornbeam seeds 

 which have fallen to the ground, the newly- 

 cracked shells of which are seen, in abundance, 

 at their haunts. 



The hawfinch seems to have no song worthy the 

 name. When a number are sitting together, they 

 may be heard uttering a few notes, in a soft tone, 

 something like those of the bully. The length 

 of the bird, is full seven inches; the bill is pro- 

 digiously thick and strong. 



There are many other birds belonging to this 

 family, but those most generally known and com- 

 mon having been mentioned, there shall only be 

 added to the list the GOLDFINCH, which is certainly 

 one of the most beautiful as well as useful, of our 

 resident birds. It is small, but powerfully winged, 

 and very energetic in all its movements. Its chief 

 food consists of the seeds of thistles, docks, and 



