GREENFINCH. 



INSESSORES. FRINGILLIDJE. 



CONIROSTRES. 



PLATE CXV. 



GREENFINCH. 



CoCCOTHRAUSTES CHLORIS. 



The well known Greenfinch, with its congener the Haw- 

 finch, are the only two species of the genus Coccothraustes 

 which belong to our island; they are chiefly distinguished 

 from other Fringillida by their large and powerful beaks, 

 their short tails, and clumsy appearance. 



The Greenfinch is very generally dispersed throughout 

 England, and common in most sylvan localities, such as the 

 outskirts of woods, parks, and gardens ; also tall hedgerows, 

 where the whitethorn or maple have been allowed for some 

 years their natural growth, uninjured by the destructive but 

 necessary lopping of the hedger's axe. 



This is in summer a sprightly bird, whose peculiar note 

 may often be heard for hours together, uttered from the tallest 

 spray of the hedge, or from the bough of a tree a little 

 elevated above the rest of the copse ; the long drawn note 

 tway ! will readily distinguish it. Sometimes its frolicsome 

 mood (for even the Greenfinch can be frolicsome in the season 

 that fills all hearts with gladness) is exhibited in curious 

 flights, turns, and evolutions, rising in the air, fluttering, 

 tumbling, and descending to the same bough many times in 

 succession, as if at a loss how best to express its happiness. 



