CHAFFINCH. 



81 



INSESSORES. FRINGILLIDJE. 



CONIROSTRES. 



PLATE CVI. 



CHAFFINCH. 



Fringilla c(elebs. (Linn.) 



The Chaffinch is a very lively bird ; his song is among the 

 earliest that are heard in the spring, and his lively cry, Fink ! 

 Fink ! sounds like a warning to the feathered tribes that 

 spring is come again. About February his song commences, 

 — at first broken and imperfect, but by degrees it arrives at its 

 full mature compass, which consists of about ten syllables, 

 frequently repeated again and again in the same form. The 

 voice of this bird is good, and its native notes are full of 

 richness and power ; so much so, that among the Germans, 

 who are known for their interest in ornithological pursuits, 

 and excel all other people in the perfection to which they 

 bring the performances of their singing-birds, this species is 

 very highly prized. Bechstein speaks of its clear and trilling 

 tones, that seem almost to approach to words : he says also, 

 " This bird is so great a favourite in Germany, that not a 

 single tone of its' voice has escaped the experienced ears of 

 our bird-fanciers : they have observed its nicest shades, and 

 are continually endeavouring to improve and perfect it. I 

 confess I am myself one of the warmest of its admirers, and 

 could write a good-sized volume on all the details of its music. 1 "' 

 These amateurs also attribute to the wild Chaffinch a variety 

 of different songs, which they distinguish by name ; and pro- 



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