FRINGILLID^E. 97 



FRINGILLIDJE. 



98. Coccothraustes vulgaris, Pallas. The Hawfinch. 



Spanish. Cascanueces (Nutcracker), Pinonero, Pico gordo. 



Favier states the Hawfinch to be " very rare near Tangier, 

 having only met with two one in 1836, the other in 1849." 

 Olcese obtained one since then (Reid, ' Ibis,' 1885), whilst 

 Mr. Meade- Waldo saw several near Tangier in the spring 

 of 1892. 



On the Spanish side of the Straits this bird is very common, 

 and most plentiful in winter. Some nest in the Cork-wood 

 in May ; and during the season of migration they often 

 frequent pine-woods, and are then rather shy and difficult to 

 approach. About Cordova they are most abundant, and are 

 there and at Seville exposed alive for sale at about one real 

 apiece. I kept a pair, purchased at Seville, for some time ; 

 but never could tame them. The hen bird at last killed her 

 mate, having previously at regular intervals plucked him while 

 living. 



I gave this amiable and domestic female to a bird-fancier at 

 Gibraltar, much to his delight, but ultimately to his sorrow, as 

 she vented her temper upon some other pet birds with which 

 she was caged, and, in consequence, justly suffered capital 

 punishment. 



Bill very large. Fifth and next four primaries shaped like a bill-hook. 



Adult male. General colour above chestnut-brown ; crown reddish 

 brown, lightest on forehead ; hind neck grey ; black patch on chin ; larger 

 wing-coverts tipped with white ; sides of body and flanks vinaceous brown ; 

 bill bluish ; iris greyish white. 



Female. Head ashy brown ; secondaries edged with bluish grey ; flanks 

 as in male. 



In winter. Bill fleshy white. 



Young. Spotted, no grey at back of neck or black patch on chin ; lower 

 breast and flanks spotted and barred with brown ; iris brown. Length 

 7 inches. 



II 



