PASSERINE BIRDS. 115 



once to three times in the summer, after which they assemble in large flocks, fly from place to place, 

 and then depart simultaneously for warmer regions. The favour in which they are held by many is 

 very easily understood if we consider their really great gifts, sweet song, and the facility with which 

 they are tamed. They have been the companions of man from the most ancient times, and in some 

 places are as much valued as the Nightingale. In certain parts of Germany the Chaffinch is an 

 actual member of the household, and quite indispensable to the family circle. 



THE CHAFFINCH. 



The Chaffinch {Fringilla cczlebs), or as the Germans call it the Noble Finch (EdrffinE), is by 

 this very name at once placed first amongst its brotherhood, and is so common amongst us that it can 

 rarely be mistaken for any other bird. Its length is six inches, its breadth across the wings seven 

 inches, the female being somewhat smaller and longer than her mate. The plumage is strikingly 

 coloured, and beautifully marked. The male is deep black upon the forehead, the head and neck ash- 

 grey, the back brown, the lower part of the body (except the belly, which is white) of a rich red, and 

 the wings striped in two places with white. The female and young birds are often of an olive-greyish 

 brown, grey below, and the wings marked as in the male bird. The beak in the young is of a dusky 

 light blue, in autumn reddish white, and always black at the tip ; the foot is of a reddish grey, or dirty 

 flesh colour, the eye brown. 



The Chaffinch is found over the whole of Europe, if we except its most northern and southern 

 countries ; it appears in Spain only during the winter, and in the north is replaced by a species called 

 the Mountain Finch. In Siberia it is as common as it is in Germany, and in Northern Africa a 

 very similar bird is to be met with. The Chaffinch inhabits all kind of woods, frequenting the larger 

 forests as readily as clumps of trees, plantations, and gardens, only avoiding marshy or boggy ground. 

 One little couple lives close to another, but each bird defends its own chosen spot with great fury, 

 and wages constant war against intrusion. After the breeding season is over these separate couples 

 assemble, and form large flocks — which often include several other species of birds — and then start 

 upon their exploring travels through the length and breadth of the land. At these times diey do not 

 appear more peaceably disposed than before, and quarrels and strife go on unremittingly. In 

 Germany the Chaffinch is a summer bird, and though some few males may winter there, the mass of 

 these lovers of sunshine leave for a warmer climate. 



As they begin to assemble at the commencement of September, in October the flocks are ready 

 for flight, and before the end of that month have entirely disappeared, to take up their winter quarters 

 in Southern Europe, or North-western Africa, and some few in Egypt : spreading over mountains, 

 valleys, fields, and gardens, everywhere numerous, and everywhere living, not in pairs, but socially ; 

 thus showing that these regions are not regarded as their home, but merely as a temporary abiding-place. 

 When the spring commences they return to their old haunts, generally performing the journey in much 

 smaller parties than when they took their departure — the males first, followed in about a fortnight by 

 the females. It is very rarely indeed that both sexes return together. In fine weather the males 

 generally make their appearance about the beginning of February, the principal parties arriving about 

 March, the stragglers often not till April. Then may be heard their fresh cheerful voices, as they 

 seek their old breeding places and choose their mates ; as soon as this is done the building of the 

 nest commences, and the little cradles for the young are generally ready before the trees are covered 

 with leaves. 



The process of making a nest is commenced by a search amongst the branches ; a proceeding in 

 which both birds take an active part, the female, perhaps, looking for what is required with the 

 greatest earnestness, her mate, on the contrary, thinking more of his attachment to her, and his deter- 



