CHAPTER YL 



The Goldfinch. 



Fringilla Carduelis, Lin. ; Chardonneret, Buf. ; Der Steiglitz- 

 oder DistelfinTc, Bech. 



Description and Character. — This elegant and intellec- 

 tual bird, which is a universal favourite with ornithologists 

 and bird fanciers, is known by a variety of names. It 

 is called by many the Thistlefinch," on account of its 

 fondness for the seeds of that plant ; it also bears the 

 names of the Peartree-finch," Proud Tailor," *'Eed 

 Linnet," " Spink," " Peckel Dick," Proud Tail "—from the 

 manner it has of whisking round when pleased, and jerking 

 its tail with a peculiar motion — King Harry," " Draw 

 Water," and " Goldie," as it is almost universally termed 

 in Scotland. Its beautiful plumage, so rich and varied in 

 colour ; its docility, its unobtrusive and engaging manners, 

 added to the readiness with which it so easily and gracefully 

 adapts itself to the sudden change from liberty to confine- 

 memt, make it an object of endearment to those who keep 

 and admire birds in a state of domestication. 



It is oin. in length, and, when in health and condition, 

 weighs about loz. The beak is long, straight, and sharp at 

 the point, and compressed slightly at the sides. In wild 

 birds it is ashen-grey in colour, and in house-moulted birds 

 a whitish flesh-colour. There is a black line running from 

 the centre of the tip of the upper mandible to about two- 

 thirds of its entire length, which gradually disappears as the 

 spring advances. The eyes are dark hazel in colour. 



