THE CHAFFINCH. 



Fringilla ccelebs, Linnaeus. 

 Plate i6. 



This gay and sprightly bird is very common in every part of the British Islands, 

 wherever woods and cultivated country are found. In late autumn our home-bred 

 birds form flocks and roam about the country, while large numbers arrive at the 

 same time from abroad. 



It is also found plentifully throughout Europe. 



The nest, which is a beautiful structure, is composed outwardly of green moss, 

 grey lichens, and grasses, deftly woven together, with a lining of wool, feathers, and 

 hair ; and is placed in a fruit or other tree, not far from the ground. The four, five, 

 or six eggs are in ground colour a pale blue with a greenish tinge, spotted and marked 

 with reddish-brown. 



The Chaffinch during the summer months feeds largely on insects and grubs, 

 whilst in winter seeds of various kinds are eaten. It is of the greatest service to 

 the gardener, and in early summer may be seen searching for caterpillars on the 

 trees in orchards and gardens. 



Its blithe and joyous song is continued throughout the spring and early summer, 

 and though short, is repeated many times in succession. 



It was long ago observed by Gilbert White and others, when the flocks of 

 Chaffinches were about in the autumn and winter, that a separation of the sexes 

 had occurred. It was due to this fact that the name of coelebs, or bachelor, was 

 given by Linnaeus, on account of the large companies of cock birds seen consort- 

 ing together. 



The general colour of the female Chaffinch is brownish-olive, tinged with grey, 

 the bars on the wings being less distinct than in the male. 



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