8 YELLOW-BIRD, OR GOLDFINCH. 
change their winter dress, and, before the middle of May, appear in 
brilliant yellow: the whole plumage towards its roots is of a dusky 
bluish black. . < 
The song of the Yellow-Bird resembles that of the Goldfinch of 
Britain; but is in general so weak,as to appear to proceed from a 
considerable distance, when perhaps the bird is perched on the tree 
over your head. I have, however, heard some sing in cages with 
great energy and animation. On their first arrival in Pennsylvania, 
in February, and until early in April, they associate in flocks, fre- 
quently assembling in great numbers on the same tree to bask and 
dress themselves in the morning sun, singing in concert for half ax 
hour together; the confused mingling of their notes forming a kinc 
of harmony not at all unpleasant.* ; ob Be 
‘About the last of November, and sometimes sooner, they generally 
leave Pennsylvania, and proceed to the south; some, however, are 
seen even in the midst of the severest winters. Their flight is not 
direct, but in alternate risings and sinkings; twittering as they fly, at 
each successive impulse of the wings.t During the latter part of 
summer they are almost constant visitants in our gardens, in search 
* Carduelis of Brisson, having types in‘the common Goldfinch and Siskin of this 
country, is now generally used as the generic appellation for the group to which 
our present species belongs. It contains several Americar and European species. 
They are closely allied to the true Linnets ; and the lesser Red-Poll (the ol tok dil 
linaria auctorum) has even by some been ranked, with them. They also much re- 
semble the latter group in their manners, their haunts, their breeding, and feeding. 
Every one who has lived much in the country, must have often remarked the com- 
mon European Gray Linnets, in the manner above described, of the American Gold- 
finch, congregating towards the close of a fine winter’s evening, perched. on the 
summit oF aene bare tree, pluming themselves in the last rays of the sun, ¢heruping 
the commencement of their evening song, and then bursting simultaneously into one 
general chorus; again resuming their single strains, and again joining, as if happy, 
and rejoicing at the termination of their day’s employment. Mr. Audubon has re- 
marked the same trait in their manners, and confirms the resemblance of their notes : 
“So much does the.song of our Goldfinch resemble that of the European species, 
that, whilst in France and England, 1 have frequently thought, and with ploaaire 
thought, that they were the notes of our own bird which I heard.” — Ep. 
+ The flight of the American Goldfinch, and its manners during it, are described 
by Mr. Audubon with greater minuteness’: it is exactly similar to the European 
bird of the same name, being performed in deep curved lines, alternately rising and 
falling, after each propelling motion of the wings. It scarcely ever describes one 
of those curves, without uttering two or three notes whilst ascending, such as_ its 
European relative uses on similar occasions. In this manner its flight is prolonged 
to-considerable distances, and it frequently moves in a circling direction before 
alighting. Their migration is performed during the day. They seldom alight on 
the ground, unless to procure water, in which they wash with great liveliness and 
pleasure ; after which they pick up some particles of gravel and sand. So fond of 
each other’s company are they, that a party of them soaring on the wing will alter 
their course at the calling of a single one perched on a tree. This cal] is uttered 
with much emphasis: the bird prolongs its usual note, without much aliération ; 
and, as the party approaches, erects its body, and moves to the right and left, asi 
turning on a pivot, apparently pleased at showing the beauty of ils plumage and 
elegance of its manners. : : ; 
This natural group has been long celebrated for their docility, and easy instruc- 
tion, whether in music, or to perform a variety of tricks. They are, consequently, 
favorites with bird-fanciers, arid often doomed to undergo a severe and cruel dis- 
cipline. The Goldfinch, Canary, the various Linnets, the Siskin, and Chaffinch, are 
principally used for this purpose; and it is often astonishing, and almost incredible, 
with what correctness they will obey the voice or motions cf their masters. Mr. 
