PASSERINE BIRDS. 1 27 



The TRUE SISKINS have recently been separated from the species just described, by reason 

 of their long and delicately-pointed beak, the ridge of which is somewhat arched. They are also 

 distinguished by their short claws and comparatively long wings, and by the colour of their plumage, 

 but except in these respects the birds strongly resemble each other. 



THE COMMON SISKIN. 



The Common Siskin {Spinus viridis) is about five inches long, and nine across the span of the 

 wings. In the male the top of the head is black, the back yellowish green, streaked with blackish 

 grey ; the wings, which are blackish, have two yellow stripes. The under part of the body is bright 

 yellow upon the breast, and white upon the belly ; the throat is black. The female bird is greyish 

 green upon the upper parts of the body, streaked with a darker shade ; the under parts are white or 

 yellowish white, and marked with longish black spots. The young are yellower and more variegated 

 in their markings than the female. 



The Siskin is particularly numerous in mountain regions, chiefly inhabiting the interior of Norway, 

 Sweden, and Russia. It is unknown in Northern Asia, but is occasionally met with in the north- 

 eastern portions of that continent ; Radde mentions flocks of these birds seen by him in the 

 Bareja Mountains, and near the banks of the Amur. The Siskins are birds of passage, and, except in 

 the breeding season, spend their time in wandering over the country, going south for the winter in 

 great numbers, should the season be unusually cold or food deficient. In the summer months they 

 frequent the pine forests of mountainous districts, living upon the seeds that are found there in 

 abundance. In these places they also breed. During their migratory excursions they often appear in 

 winter by thousands close to the villages, in districts where, in less inclement seasons, not one is to be 

 seen. In these wanderings, barren tracts of country are carefully avoided, and they prefer perching 

 upon the topmost branches of forest trees. " The Siskin," says Naumann " is always lively, adroit, and 

 bold, and very attentive to the care of its plumage ; it is brisk in its movements, and a most capital 

 climber." In this respect it much resembles the Titmouse, frequently hanging backwards from the 

 boughs, which it ascends quickly, even should they be quite perpendicular — in short, among the 

 branches it is never quiet, except when asleep or while taking its food. It can also hop nimbly upon 

 the ground, always, however, appearing to avoid descending from its perch, if not obliged to do so. Its 

 flight is undulating, rapid, and light ; it can pass with ease over large tracts of country, and rise to a 

 considerable height in the air. Its song is a very simple, but not unpleasing, twitter. In all other 

 respects this species strongly resembles the Birch-tree Siskin ; in disposition it is social, peaceful, and 

 thoughtless — indeed, we do not know any bird that shows so little regret at the loss of its freedom, 

 or is more suitable for domestication. Moreover, it is very docile, and learns many little tricks, is not 

 at all dainty concerning the quality of its food, and becomes so tame that it may be allowed to leave 

 its cage at pleasure, and will obey its master's call. Hoffmann relates of several of these birds that 

 were kept in his aviary, that they could be allowed to fly about, and would readily take their food from 

 his hand. On one occasion, as he tells us, a flock of wild Siskins passed over the garden while one 

 of his captive birds sat perched upon his hand. The tame bird had no sooner heard the call-notes of 

 its brethren than it responded to the invitation, and flew at once to join the party upon a neighbouring 

 tree, receiving a very warm reception from the little strangers, both individually and collectively. Of 

 course he gave his pet Siskin up as lost, but made an effort to allure it back by its call-note and some 

 favourite food. These efforts were successful, and the truant was again soon perched upon his hand, 

 although it was followed by one of the wild birds to within six feet of the place where he stood. 



Seeds of many kinds — but principally those of trees — young buds, tender leaves, and, during the 

 breeding season, caterpillars and various insects, constitute the ordinary food of these birds, the 



