40 BRITISH BIRDS, WITH THEIR NESTS AND EGGS. 
The Améerizing, or Buntings, of which our Yellow Ammer may be considered 
typical, have a well-marked angle to the chin; the lower mandible terminating 
well within the upper one, and not completely closing in the centre of the cutting 
edge; the more typical Bunting’s also have a hard horny knob on the palate, and 
a compression of the lower mandible to meet it; they also walk when on the 
earth, and are largely insectivorous (in which respects they approach the Chaffinch 
and Brambling among the true Finches): many Buntings, however, are not walking 
birds. 
The /ringilide are favourite cage-birds, chiefly on account of the ease with 
which their food can be provided. 
family—FRINGILLIDA:. Subfamily—COCCOTHRA USTINA. 
THE GREENFINCH. 
Ligurinus chloris, LINN. 
()* the geographical distribution of the Greenfinch, Dr. Sharpe says that it 
inhabits :—‘ Europe generally; the countries bordering the Mediterranean : 
accidental in Madeira; extending eastwards in Persia and North-western Turkestan.” 
In Great Britain this common and well-known Grosbeak is generally distri- 
buted, breeding in all suitable localities; but to the Orkneys, Hebrides, and 
Shetlands, it is chiefly an autumn and winter visitant. 
The Greenfinch varies considerably as regards brillance of colouring; the birds 
of the spring immigration being stated to be much paler and brighter in colouring 
than the resident birds: the latter are largely added to in the autumn, by the 
advent of immense flocks which arrive in October on our eastern coasts. 
The adult male above is yellowish olive, more yellow on the forehead and 
rump; greater coverts grey; primary coverts edged with yellowish: primaries 
