SONG BIRDS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 



may often be observed perched on the twig of some 

 tree overhanging a running stream, where weeds 

 abound, and whence ephemera? are constantly 

 rising. Every now and then they will dart out 

 upon one of these new-born insects ; on nearing 

 which they often check themselves in their flight, 

 and if successful in its capture, will return to the 

 same perch to enjoy the dainty morsel, having first 

 snapt off the wings. 



In winter they become gregarious, and feed on 

 seed and grain. In Sweden the females migrate 

 in September to a more southern clime, and return 

 to their mates in spring ; which circumstance in- 

 duced Linnaeus to designate them by the name of 

 " coelebs " (bachelor). Selby says that these birds, 

 in a general point of view, obey the same natural 

 law in the North of England. In Northumberland 

 and Scotland this separation takes place about the 

 month of November ; and from that period to the 

 return of spring, few females are to be seen, and 

 those few always in distinct societies. The males 

 remain, and are met with during the winter in 

 immense flocks, feeding with other gregarious birds 

 in the stubble land, as long as the weather con- 

 tinues mild and the ground free from snow; and 

 resorting upon the approach of storm to farmyards, 

 and other places of refuge and supply. 



The female is of a dull green above; the breast 

 and under parts of a brown or dirty white : the 

 wings have the same markings as the male, but 

 less brilliant. 



