451 



THE GOLDFINCH. 



[Fringilla carduelis ; Carduelis elcgajis, Stephens.) 



Naturalists aje of opinion that ihis pretty and harmless 

 bird is gradually decreasing in numbers in this country, and 

 many persons who are interested in wild birds, and who have 

 long been close observers of their movements, say that the 

 Goldfinch is now comparatively rare in many districts. 

 Frohawk remarks that in North Kent, where twenty-five 

 years ago the nest of this bird was not uncommon, 

 it is now hardly ever met with. As one reason for 

 this decrease some say that the enclosure of commons, 

 heaths, and other weed-covered areas has reduced the 

 number of favourite resorts and feeding-places of this 

 bird, and that the seeds of weeds, which constitute its prin- 

 cipal food, have become less easily obtainable on account of 

 the improvement of agriculture. Others say that the ruthless 

 bird-catcher, who snares birds, often in spite of the provi- 

 sions of Acts and Orders, throughout the year, is the real 

 cause of this decrease of Goldfinches, which are highly 

 prized, both as cage-birds and for crossing with canaries, on 

 account of their fine plumage, their song, and their readiness 

 to become tame and to learn tricks, while their peculiar 

 "call-note" makes them useful to bird-catchers as decoy 

 birds. There is also a demand for Goldfinches by bird- 

 stuffers, who arrange them under glass cases as ornaments, 

 for which there is a ready sale amongst certain classes. 

 Their beautiful feathers are likewise largely used for millinery 

 purposes. 



Many Goldfinches remain in this country throughout the 

 year, congregating in small flocks during the winter months,, 

 pairing and dispersing throughout the country when the 



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