The Bachelor Birds. 69 



THE BACHELOR BIRDS. 



In the valley of the Wye no species of our smaller birds 

 is represented by so many individuals as the Chaffinch 

 {Fringilla coelebs). In a miscellaneous flock, congregated 

 in either field or farm-yard, composed of buntings, 

 sparrows, linnets, greenfinches, and Chaflanches, these 

 last will usually outnumber all the other kinds ; in rare 

 instances only, and in certain spots, the sparrows muster- 

 ing in equal strength. But in Herefordshire, throughout 

 all the year, winter or summer, the Chaffinch is the bird 

 most familiar to the eye, ever present to the sight, whether 

 the spectator be journeying along the road, sauntering 

 through the fields, or looking forth from the door of his 

 dwelling. Its somewhat monotonous, yet still cheerful, 

 " twink-twink," salutes the ear with like frequency ; 

 though this is not audible at all seasons, since the Chaf- 

 finch, in common with most other birds, is mute during 

 the chilly days of midwinter. This winter it has been 

 so for a much longer period than is its wont. Its song, 

 not unfrequently heard about the middle of January,- did 

 not strike my ear till February 6th, after the thaw had 

 declared itself, and the thermometer run up to 45°. 

 Nor till that time did it sound its ordinary call-note. 

 Now, both call and carol enliven the copse, and ring 

 around the walls of the dwelling. The song will again 

 cease about midsummer, but not the twink-twink ; that 

 will continue on till the cold of the autumn once more 

 admonishes it to silence. 



Linnaeus bestowed upon this bird the specific name 

 Coelebs (Bachelor), because, as he says, the sexes at the 

 approach of winter become separated ; adding, " All the 

 hen Chaffinches migrate through Holland into Italy." Of 



