THE GOLDFINCH. 



Carduelis eleganSy Stephens. 

 Plate 15. 



In former days, when less land was under culture, and in consequence thistles 

 and other seed-bearing weeds were more numerous, the Goldfinch was a common 

 bird in most parts of Great Britain. 



Owing to the higher cultivation of the land, and also to the ravages of bird- 

 catchers, its numbers rapidly decreased, until it was practically extinct in many 

 places. 



However, of late years it seems to be again on the increase in most parts of the 

 country, except in Ireland. 



It is found throughout the greater portion of Europe, as well as in Asia and 

 Africa. 



The nest of the Goldfinch is a beautiful structure of moss, lichens, rootlets, and 

 grass, woven together and lined with down, feathers, and hairs ; and is placed in a 

 fruit tree or in some shady oak, chestnut, or plane. The four or five eggs are 

 greyish- or bluish-white, marked with brownish-purple. 



During summer the Goldfinch feeds principally on insects and larvae, and in the 

 autumn and winter months on seeds of various kinds, such as those of the knap- 

 weed, thistle, dandelion, and other weeds. 



The teasel is a great attraction to the Goldfinch, and it makes a charming picture 

 to see a flock of these dainty little birds busily engaged in extracting the seeds 

 while clinging to the prickly tops ; then suddenly flitting with twittering notes to 

 another plant. In autumn a good many birds cross the Channel and winter abroad. 



The song, begun early in spring, is sweet and pleasing. 



The female is much like the male, but is duller, with less red on the throat. 



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