GOLDFINCH. 



PASSERINE BIRDS. 



THE birds of this group have the beak conical and pointed, 

 in general rather strong, with both the mandibles moveable, 

 and fit for peeling and cleaning grain, Their feet are slender, 

 and their claws divided. Some of them do not confine them- 

 selves to grain, but also eat insects. Those which feed solely 

 on seeds disgorge them into the crop of their young, the others 

 simply put the food into their beaks. The greater part of 

 them build their nests very skilfully. The females brood 

 alone, or are very rarely assisted by the males in hatching. 



This group and the following are peculiarly the real cage 

 birds ; those pretty and attractive little creatures which enliven 

 our rooms with their songs. 



Those which feed only on seeds may be tamed at any age. 



