276 THE SNOW FINCH. 



inclining at last towards the breast. The upper part of the 

 body is orange, spotted with brown ; the throat and breast 

 light orange, in some cases with a black spot in the centre. 

 The belly, vent, and shanks, are white; the smaller wing 

 coverts light orange ; the centre black, with a yellow border, 

 and white tips, which produces a white stripe across the 

 wings. The pen feathers are black, bordered with yellow ; 

 the tail somewhat forked, and similar in colour. 



The plumage of the female is lighter. The breast is 

 spotted with grey and black ; while, in other respects, she 

 bears a close resemblance to the Skylark. 



Observations. This bird is a native of the northern regions, 

 both of the Old and New World, and migrates in winter 

 towards the south. It may generally be seen on its south- 

 ward journey in company with the Skylark, while it returns 

 home with the Snow Bunting. If taken, it is generally in the 

 autumn, with the Skylarks. Its call is a loud "Pfiff!" and 

 its cry resembles that of the Linnet. The note of the female, 

 which also sings, resembles that of the Bull finch, though hardly 

 so sonorous. Its habits, if allowed to range the room, resemble 

 those of the Lark ; but if confined in a cage it sits quietly 

 upon the perches, like a Chaffinch. It may be fed either on the 

 first universal paste, or on hemp, poppy and rape seeds, which 

 form a diet, on which it will live for many years. It is also 

 fond of meal worms ; and in summer, like our common Chaf- 

 finch, probably subsists, in part, on insects. 



116. THE SNOW FINCH. 



Fringitta Nivalis, LIN. Pinson de neige ou Niverrok, BUF. Der Schnee 

 Fink, BECH. 



Description. The name of this bird may be ascribed either 

 to the white colour of its plumage, to the fact that it is found 

 upon the loftiest mountains, or to its strong resemblance to the 

 Snow Bunting. It is about the size of a Skylark, being seven 

 inches and a quarter in length, of which the tail measures two 

 inches and a quarter. The beak is nine lines in length ; thick 

 at the root, running rather suddenly to pink, and shining 

 black. The shanks are ten lines in height; the feet dark 

 brown. The top of the head, cheeks, temples, nape and sides 

 of the neck, are dark grey ; the wings are spotted with grey 

 and white ; the back greyish brown, varying in shade. The 



