THE YKLLOW-KTRD. 101 



THE YELLOW-BIRD. 



THERE are very few bird-fanciers, or, in fact, the most indifferent observers of 

 the bird-race, but what have admired the smartly dressed, intelligent Yellow-bird. 

 He rejoices in a surprising variety of names ; being known as the American Gold- 

 finch, Thistle-bird, New- York Siskin, and called by the mischievous bird-trapping 

 urchins, The Shiner. He is a pretty little fellow ; and whether performing any of 

 the numberless tricks which he is capable of being taught, or simply caged on 

 account of his pleasing manners, he is always the same unassuming bird, which 

 trait has won for him his many friends. His cheapness is one of the least of his 

 many virtues. 



These birds are found in abundance throughout North America. The Yellow- 

 bird is about four inches and a half in length, of a rich lemon color, fading into 

 white on the rump and vent. The wings and tail are black, the former being edged 

 and tipped with white : the fore-part of the head is black, the bill and legs of a red- 

 dish cinnamon color. This is the summer dress of the male ; but in September the 

 yellow gradually changes to a rich tint of brown olive, and the male and female 

 are then nearly alike. 



They build a very neat and delicately constructed nest, which they fasten to the 

 twigs of a tree, covering the outside with pieces of moss or lichen, which the} r find 

 611 the trees or fences. These they glue together with their saliva, and afterwards 

 line the inside with the softest downy substances they can procure. The 3 r ouug 

 males do not attain their perfect plumage until they are one year old, wanting 

 during that time the black on the head ; and the white on the wings being of a 

 cream color. In the month of April they begin to change their winter dress, and 

 about the middle of May appear in a coat of brilliant yellow. 



During the latter part of summer they are constant visitors in the gardens and 

 orchards, seeking the seeds of which they are so fond, "and dislodging them from the 

 husks in a very adroit manner. 



The song of the Yellow-bird is a pleasing succession of short notes or twitters, 

 and greatly resembles the song of the European Goldfinch, but somewhat weaker ; 

 as it appears to come from a distance, although the bird may be perched on the 

 hand. When perched together in flocks, and singing their morning concert, the 

 sounds produced are not at all unpleasant to listen to, and form a sort of harmony 

 extremely new and original. 



The Yellow-bird bears a striking resemblance to the Canary, the chief difference 

 being in the size. Attempts have been made to mate the male Yellow-bird with 

 the female Canary ; and, although in some cases the result has been successful, the 

 progeny were not of sufficient value to make the investment a paying one. 



