126 cassell's book of birds. 



removing for a time to more southern regions. Our readers will readily believe that this necessity is 

 of very unfrequent occurrence, when we tell them that in cold northerly countries hundreds 

 and thousands of square miles are entirely covered with trees, yielding the seeds preferred by these 

 children of the forest. In short, the Birch-tree Siskin occupies the same position with regard to 

 birch woods as does the Cross-bill to the tracts of fir and pine-trees, finding in them abundance of food 

 during the winter months, and plenty of insects during their breeding season ; indeed, the swarms of 

 flies met with in these regions are prodigious, every tree or bush being often literally enveloped in a 

 cloud of them. We have frequently been told that these birds will breed in Germany, but as 

 yet no nests have to our knowledge been discovered so far from their usual haunts. Even in tl.e 

 north it is extremely difficult to find them, and for the first description of one we have to thank 

 Boja, whose statements have been corroborated by Schrilder. " You know," says the former 

 writer, in a letter to his brother, " what difficulty I have had in my search after a Siskin's nest, and I 

 should never have found it had not accident placed it in my possession. As I was descending a steep 

 and almost naked precipice near Norwick my foot slipped, and I fell heavily into a cleft of the rock, 

 disturbing by my fall a female bird sitting upon her nest, which was fixed upon the strong branch of a 

 birch-tree, and contained four eggs, not larger than those of our Goldfinch, and of a greenish-white 

 colour, marked with brownish red." 



The Birch Siskins usually make their appearance in Germany about the beginning of November, 

 and that in very considerable numbers, though, as we observed above, their coming is by no means 

 regular, and only takes place when they are driven from their native haunts by want of food. They 

 usually select districts planted with alder or birch-trees, from whence they fly over hill and dale in 

 company with Greenfinches, often passing the night upon the hedges, and feeding upon all kinds of 

 oily seeds gleaned from the fields, but preferring those of the birch and alder. It is very evident when 

 these birds first arrive in that country that they are by no means aware of their danger in venturing 

 so near their arch-enemy man, but will come down and seek their food close to his dwellings, indeed 

 it is only after repeated proofs of his treachery that they begin to lose their confidence and grow 

 cautious and shy. 



The Birch Siskin is a restless, lively little creature, and more skilful in climbing than any of its 

 congeners ; indeed, it will bear comparison in that respect with the Cross-bill or Titmouse. Trees, when 

 covered with these birds, present a most beautiful appearance, as the latter hang upon the branches 

 or climb in busy crowds to reach the seeds ; they are also quite at home upon the ground, to which 

 they descend and hop about much more frequently than any other members of the family. Their 

 flight is rapid and undulating, they usually hover for a time before perching, and but rarely frequent 

 high trees, except when compelled by necessity to rest upon them in passing over extensive and open 

 districts. The flocks when once united never separate, and such as stray from the main body are 

 recalled by their little companions with anxious cries. Quarrelling or strife are unknown among them, 

 they even associate as peaceably with Linnets and Field Sparrows as they do with their own species. 

 Birch Siskins are excellently suited for a cage for they soon become very tame, and seem to rejoice 

 in displaying their activity and skill in climbing. They are readily caught by the assistance 

 of a decoy and a few limed twigs ; numbers are thus captured, as the poor little prisoners are often 

 followed by others of their kind who will not desert them in their affliction. Their flesh is frequently 

 eaten, and their song is simple but melodious. It remains as yet to be decided whether the American 

 Birch Siskin is the same species as that inhabiting Europe. Richardson observed it during very severe 

 winters in all the fur districts, and Audubon speaks with delight of the tameness and confidence in 

 man exhibited by those he met with in Labrador. 



