THE BULLFINCH. 



LOXIA PYRRHULA, LiNN. 



When at its full growth this bird measures, from 

 the point of the bill to the tip of the tail, six inches, 

 of which the tail is two. The bill is remarkably 

 thick and strong in proportion to its length, some- 

 what resembling that of a parrot ; and the head and 

 neck are large in comparison with the size of the 

 body, which was probably the origin of its name. 



Every one (says Mr. Mudie) is familiar with the 

 Bullfinch as a cage bird ; but as a wild tenant of 

 our woods it is perhaps more rarely seen or heard, 

 at least for the greater part of the year, than any 

 other bird which is generally distributed, and as 

 numerous in all its localities. 



In the summer it mostly frequents woods and 

 the more retired places ; but in winter it approaches 

 gardens and orchards, where in spring it makes 

 great havoc among the buds. 



It has a good mellow voice, is very docile, and the 

 hen learns to pipe a tune as well as the male. 



The Bullfinch is gregarious ; seldom more than 

 one brood is seen together, and they are most com- 

 monly observed in pairs. According to Latham, it 

 is common to most parts of the continent of Europe, 

 and extends to Russia and Siberia, in which latter 

 place it is caught for the use of the table. 



