Birds of Britain 



It has a pretty little song, rather more melodious and varied 

 than that of the Goldfinch, and when courting will frequently 

 rise in the air and slowly descend with fluttering wings and 

 outspread tail. Aphides, when in season, form a large 

 portion of their diet, and from this point of view they prove 

 themselves of great service to man; for the rest, any seed or 

 berry is eaten, but from their habit of seeking their food in 

 the open the seeds of weeds and grasses are chiefly consumed. 

 The general colour above is greenish yellow streaked 

 with black, except for the rump, which is brighter and un- 

 streaked. The head is darker and there is a yellow super- 

 ciliary stripe. The quills and wing coverts are black with 

 yellowish margins. Tail feathers yellow with broad black 

 tips. Chin black, upper breast bright greenish yellow; 

 rest of under parts yellowish streaked with black, especially 

 on the flanks. The female is much duller, the prevailing 

 tint being greyish green streaked with dull brown. The 

 black chin of the male is a variable feature. Length 

 4 - 6 in. ; wing 2"8 in. 



THE CITRIL FINCH 



Chrysomitris citrinella (Linnaeus) 



The Citril Finch inhabits the mountainous regions of 

 Central and Southern Europe, migrating southwards in 

 winter. A specimen was taken alive in January 1904 

 near Yarmouth. 



The nape and sides of the neck are greyish ; back dull 



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