THE SISKIN. 



Carduelis spinus (Linnaeus). 

 Plate 15. 



In England and Wales this small Finch is best known as a winter visitor, 

 although nesting in some localities. 



It is more numerous in Scotland, breeding freely in many places ; and is also 

 resident in Ireland. 



The skilfully concealed nest is usually placed in a fork on the branch of a pine or 

 spruce, at some height from the ground, and is composed of twigs, rootlets, and 

 moss, and lined with feathers and hair. 



The five or six eggs are pale bluish-green, with speckles and markings of 

 reddish-brown and pinkish-grey. 



According to Seebohm {British Birds, vol. ii. p. 94) : " The song of the Siskin 

 is not very powerful but is very pleasing — a succession of very rapid notes, some 

 possessing considerable melody. It is an extremely industrious singer, and may be 

 heard all the year round except in the moulting season." 



The food consists mainly of seeds and buds of trees, especially those of the 

 birch and alder, varied with insects in summer. 



The Siskin] resembles the Goldfinch in many of its actions, and, like that bird, 

 is very easily tamed. 



The female is less brightly coloured than the male, having altogether less 

 yellow in her plumage, and lacking the black on the head and throat. 



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