100 FEING1LLID.E. 



101. Carduelis spinus (Linnaeus). The Siskin. 



Spanish. Lugano. 



On the African side of the Straits, Mr. Meade-Waldo found 

 the Siskin, in the early spring of 1892, abundant near Tangier. 

 Neither Favier nor Mr. Drake mention the bird. 



In Andalucia they are very irregular in appearance, in some 

 winters not being noticed at all. The Spaniards say they only 

 come every seventh year. This idea is prevalent about Seville, 

 as well as near Gibraltar ; but, it is needless to say, is a popular 

 error. 



In the winter of 1870-71 they were plentiful wherever there 

 were any alder trees ; and I saw some as late as the 4th of 

 April. In the two previous winters, and during the one 

 following, none were obtained by the birdcatchers, who are 

 always looking out for them, as they are much desired and 

 fetch a good price as cage-birds. In 1874, I saw four on a 

 white poplar tree in the Alameda of Gibraltar, on the 24th of 

 March ; they were so tame as to allow of my approach within 

 a yard of them, and remained for a long time close to me. 



Adult male. Above yellowish green ; cheeks, throat, and breast bright 

 yellow ; flanks streaked with black ; crown and small patch on chin 

 black ; tail blackish, all but the two centre feathers yellow at the base. 



Female. No black on head or chin ; throat uniform dull white. 

 Length 4| inches. 



102. Chrysomitris citrinella (Linnseus). The Citril Finch. 



Reported by Mr. Saunders to be found on the coast, and 

 Arevalo says they are of irregular occurrence in autumn near 

 Granada and Malaga. I never met with any near Gibraltar, 

 and Lord Lilford informs me that he never handled a Spanish 

 specimen; while Major Verner, who knew the bird well, tried 

 in vain to obtain or even see one during six years at Gibraltar, 

 none even being brought into the market. 



Male. Back dull olive-green, each feather striped with dark brown. 



