CHAPTER VII. 



The Greenfinch. 



Loxia chloris, Lin. ; Groshec verdier, Buf . ; Der Grunling, 

 Bech. ; Fringilla chloris. 



Description and Character. — The Greenfinch, or Green 

 Linnet, as it is more commonly designated, is not a particularly 

 attractive bird — that is, so far as its appearance is concerned 

 — but it is very easily domesticated, and is particularly docile 

 and tractable in confinement. It is capable of being taught a 

 variety of amusing tricks, same as the Goldfinch and Bull- 

 finch ; and it may be fairly considered a more proficient per- 

 former than either after it has been properly schooled. lb is, 

 however, a very common bird, and may be found in all parts 

 of the United Kingdom, and in most parts of Europe. A male 

 bird can be bought at most bird-dealers' in the country for 

 the small sum of one shilling, and a hen for sixpence. 



A well-grown male specimen measures 6in. in length, the 

 tail being 2in. long ; the bill is a little over -gin. in 

 length, and is stout and massive, especially near the base, 

 and is flesh-coloured, the upper mandible being tinged with 

 brown. The eyes are brown. The back part of the head, neck, 

 back, and primary wing coverts, are of a dingy green colour, the 

 forehead and over each eye being tinged with bright yellow ; 

 and a delicate shading of yellow pervades the feathers 

 on the back and the wing coverts ; the rump is paler and 

 also brighter in colour than the back ; the pen feathers of 

 the wings are of a dusky blackish hue ; the ridges of the 

 wings or shoulder blades are of a rich vivid yellow ; the primary 



