130 



British Cage Birds. 



dingy in colour, and more interspersed with black spots, or 

 marks ; the throat, front part of neck, sides, and breast are 

 of a dull grey greenish white, speckled with green and black ; 

 the legs are pale brown. 



Song. — The song of the Siskin is more peculiar than 

 musical ; in a sense, it slightly resembles that of the Gold- 

 finch, but is less pleasing. It utters a few notes not unlike 

 those of a Linnet, and others which resemble those of the 

 female Canary. Its melody — if such a term be applicable — is 

 little more than a continuous twitter, although it occasionally 

 jerks out a few harsh notes, both keen and penetrating, but 

 not particularly attractive. It is a merry little bird, almost 

 continually uttering its song, and only ceases, when in health, 

 during the season of the moult. 



Points to be Obseeved in Judging. — It is not often that 

 the Siskin is selected as an exhibition bird, but, when it is 

 desired to make use of it in this capacity, choose a matured 

 specimen, as these birds improve in appearance with age ; 

 their colours are then brighter and more attractive. Judges, 

 however, generally pass them by, in an open class for British 

 birds, for other varieties of a more striking and diversified 

 character. Choose a well-shaped bird, with a distinct black 

 cap and throat markings. The back should be of a beautiful 

 soft yellowish olive green, nicely pencilled with dark streaks 

 down the centre of the feathers ; the rump clear yellow, 

 and the breast a pretty yellowish green, delicately tinted ; 

 the yellow bars crossing the wings should be distinct and 

 regular, and the wing coverts tipped with bright black. A 

 three-year-old bird is best, being then in its most perfect 

 plumage. A Siskin to make a good show bird must be close 

 in feather, smart, lively, and active, in faultless condition 

 in body, feathers, and cleanliness, and tame and affable when 

 being handled. 



General Remarks.- — The Siskin is a very restless bird, 

 and is almost constantly in motion. It has peculiarities not 

 common to most other birds. It rarely roosts on a perch, 

 but clings to the wires of its cage with one foot, and 

 sleeps in that position, head downwards. In descending from 

 a height it travels head foremost. 



It is possessed of much intelligence, and is easily taught 

 several amusing tricks, such as opening the lid of a box to 



