The Chaffinch. 



tions upwards, forming a kind of cradle or hollow. 

 Occasionally they build their nest in a high hedge or black- 

 thorn bush, or in an evergreen, if situated in some secluded 

 spot. The nest is made secure to the branch with root 

 fibres, small twigs, and withered grass, interwoven and inter- 

 laced. The outer covering is formed principally of green 

 moss, and lichens gathered from the surrounding trees, the 

 latter evidently being a device to make it more difficult to 

 be observed. 



The nest is round in form, and tastefully and artistically 

 finished, being most elaborately and skilfully lined with horse 

 or cow hair, wool, feathers, and, at times, thistle down. 

 It is only excelled in beauty and workmanship by the nest 

 of the Goldfinch. 



The hen lays four or five eggs, of a bluish white or 

 French grey colour, marked all over with a few large spots 

 and streaks, but with smaller specks and stripes at the 

 largest, or thickest end, of a reddish brown or bright choco- 

 late colour. They have two, and occasionally three, nests 

 in a year, the first brood being composed chiefly of males, 

 and the second of females. The hen incubates about four- 

 teen days (from thirteen to fifteen) ; the young leave the 

 nest before they are three weeks old, but the parents con- 

 tinue to feed them for several days afterwards, and whilst 

 preparations are being made for a second brood. The 

 hen is the chief builder, the cock supplying the greater 

 part of the material. The male bird is assiduous in his 

 attentions to his partner during the period of incubation, 

 and warns her of any apparent or approaching danger. 

 He selects a tree not far from the chosen spot, where his 

 treasures are placed, from which he can make his observa- 

 tions, and, excepting to procure food, or grant his mate a 

 little temporary respite from her arduous task, rarely moves 

 away from his post. Chaffinches exhibit much affection 

 for their young, and fret for days after being deprived of 

 them, I have never known anyone succeed in breeding Chaf- 

 finches in cages, but they will breed in an aviary under 

 favourable conditions. 



Methods of Capture. — To discover the nest is not, in a 

 general way, a task of much difficulty to those who are 

 possessed of a keen and observant eye, and are sufficiently 



