25 A. EF. Verrill—The Bermuda Islands. 311 
appreciable extent. It has, however, become very abundant and 
familiar in all parts of the islands and does considerable damage to 
fruits and in other ways, so that it is generally considered a nuisance. 
It does not confine itself so much to the settlements and highways 
as in the United States, but is seen everywhere in the fields and 
woods. It is accused of destroying the eggs of other more useful 
birds, as with us. The Bluebird, especially, is said to suffer thus 
from its depredations. In 1883, an act was passed “To encourage 
the destruction of Sparrows.” But this did not seem to cause any 
apparent decrease in its numbers, though the amount paid in boun- 
ties is said to have been £800 in one year. It was introduced into 
Bermuda from the United States in 1875. 
European Tree-Sparrow. (Passer montanus (L.) Koch.) 
This bird is apparently not uncommon. It was probably intro- 
duced accidentally with the English Sparrow and has similar habits, 
but it is less familiar. It was first recorded by A. H. Verrill, who 
found it common in Paget Parish, March, 1901.* 
Figure 60.—European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis (L.) Schif.) Phot. from 
life by A. H. Verrill. 
European Goldfinch. (Carduelis carduelis (L.) Schif.) 
Ficure 60. 
This elegant little bird is becoming quite common in certain locali- 
ties and seems to be fully naturalized. Numerous specimens were 
seen in 1901, especially about Hungry Bay. 
——__— 
* Amer. Jour, Science, xii, p. 64, July, 1901; and The Osprey, July, 1901, 
