THK



21



Bvucultural flfoagastne,


BEING THE JOURNAL OF THE


AVICULTURAL SOCIETY.



New Series. —VOL. III. — NO. 1 .—All rights reserved. NOVEMBER, 1904.



THE EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH.


Carduelis elegans.


By J. Lewis Bonhote, M.A.


Of all our indigenous birds, there is not one such a

general favourite as the Goldfinch, although the Bullfinch and

Linnet run him very close. The former, however, although

bright in colour and tame and confiding by nature, has only a

soft and monotonous pipe for a song, much inferior to the

present species. Those Bullfinches specially trained to whistle

tunes, command so high a price in this country, that they may

be left out of consideration.


What the Linnet lacks in colour—for in captivity he is a

bird of sombre mien —is made up for by his song, and as he

may be bought very cheaply, and thrives in captivity, he has a

large following of admirers.


In spite, however, of these strong rivals for the position of

prime favourite, the Goldfinch will be acknowledged by most to

easily hold his own. His song, if not so full and varied as that

of the Linnet, is none the less very sweet and pleasing, whilst in

the brilliancy of his colour he easily takes first place. Brighter

and more variegated than the Bullfinch, a surprise is literally

‘ held up his sleeve,’ for when flying the brilliant yellow of the

wing feathers, from which his name is derived, is displayed to

its full extent.


Owing to his being sought after on account of these many

attractions, it is not surprising that it is a much scarcer bird



