SONG BIRDS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 



and generally utter a chirp at each propelling 

 motion of the wings ; as may be also observed 

 in the Linnet and Goldfinch, and in most other 

 birds of this family. 



In Germany they appear about October, when 

 they do a great deal of damage to the hop-plan- 

 tations ; and the places where they have been 

 are easily known by the number of leaves that 

 are found lying on the ground. They visit France 

 during the vintage, and even earlier in the year, 

 when they injure the blossoms of the apple-trees : 

 they also eat the seeds of burdock and elm. They 

 are said to fly very high, and may be heard before 

 they are seen.* 



The prominent colours of the Aberdevine are 

 black, bright yellow, sulphur yellow, and a peculiar 

 shade of green, which is so unlike any named shade 

 of that colour, that it is generally known by the 

 appellation of Siskin-green. 



In the female the markings are not so decided as 

 in the male ; the upper part is rather brown, and 

 the lower more inclining to greyish white in the 

 general tint. 



The Siskins are healthy, mild, and docile birds ; 

 and will pair well with the Canary — either the 

 hen Canary with the cock Siskin, or the hen Siskin 

 with the cock Canary. They are on this account 

 highly prized by amateurs, as the progeny gene- 

 rally inherit the same good qualities. 



Bewick tells us that one which he kept many 



* Ornithological Dictionary. 



