THE BULLFINCH. 



489 



than a Thrush, it is distinguished by the possession of. a bill which 

 is about three-quarters of an inch long, not less than half an inch 

 in thickness at the base, and of immense strength. It feeds on 

 seeds, berries, and insects ; the kernels of the hardest fruits cannot 

 resist the powerful implement 

 with which it is provided. 

 Widely diffused throughout 

 Europe, it is always met with 

 in France, where it appears 

 in open country or woods, 

 according to temperature. It 

 is a quarrelsome and unsoci- 

 able bird ; and if placed in 

 confinement with others, it is 

 certain to maltreat, and per- 

 haps kill them. 



America possesses many 

 species of this family, one 

 having plumage of a fine rose 

 colour. 



The Bullfinches (Pyrrhula 

 vulgaris, Fig. 206) are pretty 

 little birds. Their cheeks, 

 breast, and belly are a bright 

 brick colour, shaded with 

 orange red ; round the shoul- 

 ders grey, with black heads. 

 They feed on various kinds of 

 seeds or berries. They are 

 easily tamed, being of a gentle, 

 docile disposition. Their at- 

 tachment to their master, and 

 the ease with which they are 



taught to pipe, are their attractions. When in a state of freedom 

 they construct their nests in the most inaccessible parts of thickets, 

 usually in a black or white thorn bush. This is composed of small 

 dry twigs, lined with fibrous roots. 



The Siskin {FringiUa spinus, Fig. 207) may be mentioned among 

 the numerous songsters which charm with their melodious notes. 

 It is very pretty, although less richly coloured than the Goldfinch 

 and others, its congeners. Neat and compact in form, its bill 

 resembles that of the Goldfinch, but is more compressed, the two 



Fig. 205. — Grosbeak or Hawfinch. 



