THE CHAFFINCH. 



Fringilla ccelebs, Linn. 



Chaffinches are well known by their spright- 

 ly strain, which is heard early in spring, and con. 

 tinued till the middle of summer. The lively 

 yet somewhat monotonous song of these birds has 

 given rise to the proverb " as gay as a Chaffinch." 

 They have a peculiar and well-known call of 

 " Twink, twink," by which name they are some- 

 times known. They have several other provincial 

 names ; such as Spink, Beechfinch, Pink, Kelly, 

 Shellapple, Horsefinch, Robby, Shilfa, &c. 



The Chaffinch is about the same lineal dimen- 

 sions as the House-sparrow, but more lightly and 

 elegantly formed. It runs with a swift and even 

 motion, without hopping, and skips very gracefully 

 among the twigs of trees ; but when reposing, it 

 squats on the ground as often as it perches.* It is 

 mild and familiar in its disposition ; and its strong- 

 ly marked plumage is elegantly varied in colour, 

 particularly in the breeding season, when the head 

 of the male bird is of a fine bluish grey. The 

 Chaffinch is remarkable for cleanliness and the 

 trimness of its plumage. 



In summer these birds live chiefly on insects, 

 with which they likewise feed their young. They 



* Mudie's Feathered Tribes of the British Islands. 



