CHAPTER X. 



The Bullfinch. 



Loxia Pyrrhula, Lin. ; Bouvreuil, Buf. ; Der Gimpel oder 

 Dohmpfaffe, Bech. ; Pyrrhula vulgaris, Flem. 



Description and Character. — The Bullfinch, which is a great 

 favourite with most fanciers, is a handsome and intelligent 

 bird, very docile in its disposition, affectionate and tractable 

 in its nature, and becomes warmly attached to those who 

 administer to its daily wants, and treat it with kindness and 

 consideration. It is capable of being taught to whistle 

 distinctly and correctly a variety of tunes, and appears to 

 take great pleasure in exhibiting its talents after its education 

 has been completed. 



The English Bullfinch measures Gin. in length, from the 

 tip of the beak to the end of the tail, the tail being 2^in. 

 long. When in health and condition it weighs about 13dr. 

 The beak is fin. long, black in colour, very strong, massive, 

 and slightly hooked, the upper extending over the under 

 mandible, like that of the hawk. The tongue is short, the 

 eyes dark hazel, verging on black. The head is large, and the 

 neck short, thick, and massive. It has a stout body, and a 

 deep, broad chest. A black cap, elliptic in form, covers the 

 head, and extends to the upper part of the neck. Around 

 the under mandible and upper parts of the throat, reaching 

 to the eye, and blending with the cap in front of the head, 

 is another patch of rich velvety black. The lower part of 

 the back of the neck, back, and shoulders, is of a dull greyish 

 blue or pale slate colour. The rump is French white. The 



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