264 THE GOLDFINCH. 



was, as far as possible, excluded. They became altogether 

 black, except the yellow spot on the wings, but assumed their 

 natural plumage at the first moulting. Birds in which the 

 black hue of the plumage is the effect of age, retain it 

 after moulting, which, however, they do not long survive. A 

 sixth variety is the Bastard Goldfinch, of which more here- 

 after. 



Habitat. The Goldfinch is found all over Europe ; and 

 throughout the summer frequents gardens, groves, and such 

 mountainous districts as are not altogether uncultivated, or are 

 planted with coniferous trees. It is not a bird of passage, but 

 in autumn collects in flights of at most from fifteen to twenty, 

 and makes excursions in search of thistle-down ; forsaking 

 districts where the snow is thick upon the ground, for others 

 where the weather is more genial. 



This bird may either be kept in the cage, or allowed to run 

 about the room. In the former case, an ordinary small-sized 

 Chaffinch-cage is preferable to a bell-shaped one ; as the Gold- 

 finch is not fond of hopping about the higher perches, and is, 

 indeed, apt to become dizzy. In the latter, a place separated 

 from the rest of the room by a grating, or a small tree should 

 be provided for its sleeping-place. It will be noticed that it 

 particularly likes to sleep and sing on the topmost branches. 



Food. The natural food of the Goldfinch consists of various 

 species of small seeds ; for example, plaintain, succory, burdock, 

 lettuce, cabbage, rape, canary, and thistle seeds. 



In confinement, it should be fed on hemp and poppy seed, 

 especially the latter. If allowed to range the room, it is 

 content with the second universal paste : and I have one in 

 my possession, which, though refusing to touch an insect, freely 

 eats whatever comes to table, whether meat or vegetables. A 

 little green food should be occasionally given to them ; as, for 

 instance, lettuce or cabbage-leaves, groundsel, watercress, &c. 



They are great eaters, and in the aviary usually take up a 

 position near the food trough, and drive away, with a harsh 

 cry, all birds which attempt to come near them. At the same 

 time, they will feed birds of similar species to themselves as 

 Canaries, 'Siskins, and especially Eedpoles, whether male or 

 female. 



Breeding. The Goldfinch prefers to build its nest, which, 

 with that of the Chaffinch, is among the most remarkable for 



