14 



searching for food on the ground amongst the bushes or under the trees, and never, like the 

 Common Chaffinch, in the open fields. Early in April they were paired. I found several 

 finished nests, but none containing eggs. The nests are placed in similar positions and are 

 constructed like those of the Common Chaffinch." 



Respecting the habits of this species in Algeria, Loche writes as follows : — " Like its 

 European congener, this Chaffinch feeds on seeds, insects, and caterpillars : its song closely 

 resembles that of the European Chaffinch, but is rather louder and harsher, and, besides the 

 usual song the male utters in the breeding-season, when danger threatens it, a short, plaintive 

 call. In the autumn both male and female utter a sharp cry. This species builds in a low tree, 

 and constructs its nest like that of Fringilla ccelebs, laying four eggs, bluish in colour, marked 

 with reddish-brown spots, and measuring 20 by 15 millimetres. 



" It is a sprightly and confiding bird, easily tamed, and not without intelligence, and lives 

 from seven to eight years. Its flesh is not good ; and it is sought after as a cage-bird, and not for 

 its flesh ; and, thank God, in Algeria they do not practise the torture so usual in France, and 

 though the poor bird often loses its liberty it retains its sight." 



The male bird figured and described is in my own collection ; and the female described is in 

 the collection of Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun. As will be seen, I have only figured the male bird, the 

 other birds on the Plate being the male and female of Fringilla tintillon. 



In the preparation of the above article I have examined the following specimens : — 



E Mus. H. E. Dresser, 

 a, (J. Algeria (/. H. Gurney , jun.) . b, 3. Tangiers {Olcese). 



E Mus. H. B. Tristram, 

 a, 6- Algiers, April 16th, 1856; b, d. April 21st, 1856 {H. B. T.). 



E Mus. J. H. Gurney, jun. 

 a, 6 . Algiers, January 29th, 1870. b ? . Algiers, February 4th, 1870 (J. H. G.Jun.). 



