Fincu. PASSERES. FRINGILLA. 281 
descends to the lower grounds, in considerable flocks, fre- 
quenting woods and plantations, more especially such as 
abound in birch or alder trees, the catkins of which yield it a 
plentiful supply of food.—When feeding, its motion affords Food. 
both interest and amusement; since, in order to reach the 
catkins, which generally grow near the extremities of the 
smaller branches, it is obliged, like the titmouse, to hang with 
its back downwards, and assume a variety of constrained at- 
titudes, and, when thus engaged, it 1s so intent upon its work, 
as frequently to allow itself to be taken by a long stick smeared 
with bird-lime, in which way I have occasionally captured it 
when in want of specimens for examination. It also eats the 
buds of trees, and (when in flocks) proves in this way seri- 
ously injurious to young plantations. Its call-note is very 
frequently repeated when on wing, and by this it may be al- 
ways distinguished from the other species. The notes it pro- 
duces during the pairing season, although few, and not deli- 
vered in contimuous song, are sweet and pleasing. 
_ This bird is widely diffused through all the northern parts 
of Europe; inhabits Northern Asia as far as Siberia and 
Kamtschatka; and is also abundant in North America. 
Puate 54. Fig. 10. A male bird, in spring-plumage, and of 
the natural size. 
Bill having the upper part of the superior mandible blackish- General 
brown; the cutting edges and inferior mandible straw- deseup i 
yellow. Forehead, space between the bill and eyes, 
chin, and throat dusky hair-brown. Crown of the 
head, sides of the neck, and breast, pale arterial blood- 
red; passing into peach-blossom red upon the sides and 
flanks. Middle of the belly, vent, and under tail-co- 
verts white; im some specimens slightly tinged with 
peach-blossom-red. Occiput, nape of the neck, and up- 
per part of the back blackish-brown; the feathers being 
margined with yellowish and wood browns. Lower 
back and rump pale yellowish-brown, more or less tinged 
