40 

 NEST AND EGGS OF THE GOLDFINCH. 



PLATE XL. 



The manners and haunts of these birds are similar 

 to those of the last species. The nest I described was 

 built in a fruit-garden, on the branch of an almond- 

 tree, where it was well concealed behind other branches 

 then in flower. 



The nest was loosely fabricated. The outside with 

 moss, hay, small sticks, roots, &c, and lined with 

 finer roots, hairs, and a few feathers. 



Five eggs were in the nest, all over of a pale bright 

 blue colour. 



The cock sings in breeding-time, perched on some 

 branch not far from the nest. His song resembles that 

 of the last species, but is more sprightly, and delivered 

 with more spirit. 



The Goldfinch is a very scarce bird in many parts 

 of this kingdom. They sometimes visit us in the West 

 Riding of Yorkshire, but not regularly every year. 

 They come to us in April, and depart with their 

 young in September. 



In the year 1782, I sent a pair of these birds, very 

 neatly shot, together with their nest and eggs, to Her 

 Grace the late Duchess Dowager of Portland. Her Grace 

 expressed a particular satisfaction and pleasure on 

 receipt of them, and afforded them a place in her 

 valuable and extensive museum. 



END OF THE FIRST PART. 



FROM THE PRESS OF NICHOLSON AND CO. MANCHESTER. 



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