Chaffinch and other Finches. 327 



The Chaffinch is one of the handsomest of the Finches, and from its compact and elegant 

 shape, combined with Hvely habits and short but pretty song, is deservedly held everywhere in 

 high estimation. It is a bold bird, and approaches the bars of the aviary with extreme confidence, 

 chirping the while or uttering its lively call-note of "pink." Its song also has a telling ring in it, 

 and is very cheerful and clear. In Germany, where the Chaffinch is much admired, singing 

 matches are held to test their comparative merits. 



In England also this species of sport is carried on. The song of the Chaffinch is composed 

 of three distinct notes, each of which is uttered several times in succession, forming a short phrase 

 or song, which, to be perfect, should consist of so many syllables, ended with a distinct " wee do " 

 uttered in rather higher pitch ; though the song of some birds has a different termination. A 

 good songster will repeat this phrase with extreme pertinacity, and this may be stimulated by 

 placing the young bird with an older one of acknowledged singing powers. Amongst a certain 

 class this fact has been made the basis of matches that are managed in a business-like manner- 

 A judge, referee, and scorers are appointed ; and the rival birds, confined in small cages, are 

 brought into the room covered ; the signal is given, they are uncovered, and the match commences. 

 Every perfect " song " is scored down to the respective singer until time is up, when the singer of 

 the highest number of songs wins. The judge notifies each song to the scorer, and, in case of 

 dispute as to the imperfections of any song, the assistance of the referee is called in. The usual 

 betting characteristic of too many English pastimes of course prevails, and there is little doubt 

 that the match is esteemed more as a medium for betting than from any love of the bird's song. 

 From an erroneous idea that the bird sings better in the dark, instances have occurred of the 

 owners cruelly putting out the eyes of the poor bird with a red-hot wire, with the intention of 

 increasing its song. We cannot too strongly reprehend so barbarous a practice, especially as its 

 cruelty is only equalled by its uselessness. 



The Chaffinch is extremely neat and clean, and should always be provided with a bath. The 

 nest of this bird is a very pretty structure. When wild its food consists of seeds and grains, 

 insects, and the buds and tender leaves of plants. It is fond of groundsel, and should be pro- 

 vided with this favourite food of all Finches whenever possible. In the aviary it is somewhat 

 dominant, thou_gh otherwise a good companion. If it proves quarrelsome it is advisable to cut 

 four or five wing-feathers, as it will then be unable to fly so fast as the other birds. The Chaffinch, 

 however, will always sing better in a cage, which should not be bell-shaped. It will breed in 

 confinement, and should be given an old nest to breed in, feeding the young as recommended for 

 Bullfinches. The adult birds should be fed and treated as Goldfinches, giving the bird the 

 opportunity of selecting its favourite seeds. 



The Greenfinch is a somewhat heavily-built bird of rather handsome plumage, but little 

 song, and its call is a melancholy note. It is an extremely common bird, and of a hardy nature, 

 and will become very tame in captivity, where it will breed freely, or may be mated with a Canary. 

 They have also been known to breed with Linnets. The young should be brought up as recom- 

 mended for young Goldfinches, though it is possible to rear them on soaked bread and crushed 

 hemp-seed. The adult should be fed and treated as recommended for Goldfinches. 



The Mountain Finch, known also as the Bramble Finch or Brambling, is another very 

 handsome bird, as may be seen upon reference to the Plate. It is only a winter resident in 

 England, being more common in the north. The Mountain Finch is a hardy bird, and should be 

 fed and treated as the Goldfinch ; it may be kept caged or turned into the aviary, where, however, 



