43 



THE ABERDEVINE, OR SISKIN. 



This bird bears so strong a resemblance 

 to tlie canary, that it might readily be mis- 

 taken for it : the plumage of the cock is ge- 

 nerally of a dusky greenish cast, with a bright 

 yellow breast, and a yellow bar across the 

 wings, like the goldfinch; the saddle is of a 

 deep orange, and the cap is of a beautiful 

 jet black : the hen is known by not having 

 the black cap, and by its plumage being 

 altogether less brilliant. 



The aberdevine is not known to breed in 

 England, as it visits us only during the 

 Winter season, at which time it is found 

 among the alder trees, near rivers, though 

 seldom in any numbers. It is a lively little 

 bird, and though no great songster, is often 

 kept with other birds, as he sings his little 

 jabbering notes from morning till night, and 

 thereby induces the other birds to begin. 



