62 GROSBEAKS. BULLFINCHES. 



60. The Common Chaffinches, Fringilla ccelebs, are among 

 the most common of European birds ; their habits are nearly the 

 same as those of the common Sparrow, but they are more lively 

 and their song is more varied. 



61. The Common Goldfinch, Fringilla carduelis, is among 

 the most beautiful birds of Europe. It is very docile, and quickly 

 learns to sing, and to play all kinds of tricks. 



62. The Yellow Bird, or Jlnwrican Goldfinch, Fringilla 

 tristis, has black wings varied with white, and a black tail 

 tipped with white. In summer, the male is dressed in yellow 

 with a black crown, and in the autumn in brown olive, which is 

 the permanent colour of the female and young yellow birds. It 

 is a general inhabitant of the United States. 



63. The Common Snow Bird, Fringilla hyemalis, is a hardy 

 and very numerous species, common to both continents. About 

 the middle of October they pour in flocks from the northern 

 regions into the United States, where their arrival is looked upon 

 as the presage of winter. 



64. The Linnet, Fringilla canabina, is found in all parts of 

 Europe, and chiefly inhabits the planes ; its sons; is very agree- 

 able. 



65. The Canary Bird, Fringilla canaria, somewhat re- 

 sembles the Linnet, though it differs from it very much in colour. 

 It sings so agreeably, and is so easily multiplied in a state of 

 captivity, that it has become common throughout the world. Most 

 naturalists agree that it came originally from the Canary Islands, 

 where it is found wild in great numbers; but some travellers 

 suppose that it was first brought from Asia. 



66. The GROSBEAKS, Caccothraustes, are distinguished from 

 other Sparrows by the great size of their beak which is exactly 

 conical. The Common Grosbeak, Loxia caccothraustes, is the 

 most strongly characterised. It inhabits woody mountains and 

 eats almonds and all sorts of fruit. 



67. The BULLFINCHES, Pyrrhula, have a round beak which 

 is inflated in every direction, and sufficiently strong to crush the 

 hardest seeds. 



60. How does the Chaffinch differ from the Common Sparrow ? 



61. What is the common Goldfinch ? 



62. What is the American Goldfinch ? 



63. What is the common Snow Bird ? 



64. What is the Linnet? 



65. Where did the Canary Bird come from originally ? 



66. How are the Grosbeaks distinguished from other Sparrows? 



67. How are Bullfinches characterised ? 



