126 



FRINGILLID.E. 



INSES.90RES. FRINGILLIDJE. 



CONIROSTRES. 



PLATE CXIV. 



HAWFINCH. 



COCCOTHRAUSTES VULGARIS. 



Until within a few years, the history and habits of the 

 Hawfinch, as regards its residence in this country, were but 

 little understood. Bew T ick, Montagu, Selby, and other Bri- 

 tish authors, speak of it as a winter visitor only. The later 

 researches of some persevering naturalists have, however, 

 proved that this bird, although far from commonly distri- 

 buted, is to be found throughout the year in certain favour- 

 able localities. It appears to be a bird of shy and retired 

 habits, and is chiefly found to frequent, in summer, woods, 

 forests, and retired places, such as Windsor and Epping 

 Forests, &c. 



The first discovery of the nest and eggs of this species, 

 (which established the fact of its breeding in this country) 

 was made, we believe, by Mr. Doubleday of Epping, who 

 having, on various occasions, seen individuals during summer, 

 at last succeeded in discovering several of their nests. Other 

 naturalists, residing in favourable situations for observing the 

 habits of these birds, concur in the opinion expressed by Mr. 

 Doubleday, that they are permanent residents in that forest, 

 appearing equally plentiful at all periods of the year. 



On this subject we may quote the following observations 

 of J. G. Barclay, Esq. of Walthamstow, who says, "This 



