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cassell's book of birds. 



light and undulating, owing to the manner in which it opens and closes its wings ; it always hovers 

 before alighting. When flying, these birds repeatedly utter their call, which, though a soft note, can 

 be heard at a considerable distance ; when employed as a cry of warning, it is accompanied by a 

 gentle distinct whistle ; on the approach of man they rise at once into the air, and thus render the 

 task of shooting them both wearisome and difficult. Seeds of all kinds afford them nourishment, 

 although they prefer those of an oily nature, such as rapeseed or linseed, only seeking food upon the 

 trees when the ground is covered with snow. Fields of hemp offer an irresistible attraction to these 

 little creatures — indeed, they seldom leave them until the crop is entirely destroyed ; they are also at 

 times very troublesome in fruit gardens, in spite of the services they render in clearing the trees 

 of insects. 



THE GREEN GROSBEAK [Chloris horlcnris). 



The Greenfinch breeds twice or even thrice during the year. Just before the time for pairing, 

 the movements of the male are very animated ; it sings constantly, as it soars rapidly into the air, 

 raising its wings so high at each stroke that the tips almost touch each other. It thus sweeps back- 

 wards and forwards, turns round in circles, and then, slowly fluttering, descends to the spot from 

 which it rose. Should another male venture to approach the little couple, he is immediately driven 

 off by his happier rival, whilst the female remains quietly perched, watching the proceedings 

 of her mate with great delight. The nest is built of such materials as are easily obtained, and 

 usually placed on a forked branch, or close against the stem of a tree. This beautiful structure 

 consists of an outer wall formed of straws, and fibres or fine roots, upon which is spread a layer of 

 green moss or some similar material ; the interior is lined with a warm blanket of wool, and the mossy 

 exterior is always woven together with hair. The nest is of a round shape, its walls including rather 

 more than the half of a sphere, being from two and a half to two and three-quarter inches wide at the 

 top, and about two inches deep. The construction of this snug domicile devolves entirely upon the 



