THE GOLDFINCH. 



Fringilla carduelis, Linn. 



The gay little Goldfinch is very generally dis- 

 tributed over Britain. Elegance of form and beauty 

 of plumage, docility of disposition and sweetness of 

 song, together with its natural hardiness of con- 

 stitution, all combine to render it a general fa- 

 vourite. It is known in some places by the names 

 of Gold-spink, Goud-spink, or Gooldie. In Staf- 

 fordshire it is called Proud Tailor ; and is sometimes 

 denominated Thistle-finch, from its fondness for 

 the seed of that plant. 



The Goldfinch is very partial to orchards and 

 gardens, and shrubberies, especially if they are ill 

 kept ; as its principal food consists of the seeds of 

 various weeds which grow chiefly in such situations : 

 those of the different thistles, the burdock, and the 

 dandelion are its favourite food, as well as the oily 

 seeds of many of the cruciform plants. To obtain 

 the former, it may be commonly observed clinging 

 in various constrained and grotesque attitudes, 

 often with the head downward, whilst the pappus, 

 or vegetable down, is made to fly in all directions. 

 It also feeds much upon various green leaves, more 

 particularly on those of chickweed and groundsel. 

 It is also very partial to the unopened blossoms of 

 furze, and to the flowers of various other plants.* 



* British Cyclopaedia, Natural History. 



