CHAPTER XYIII. 



The Tree Sparrow, 



Fringilla montana, Lin. ; Le Friquet, Buffon. 



Desceiption and Chaeacter. — The Tree, or Mountain Sparrow, 

 is a much prettier bird than the House Sparrow, and, unlike 

 that well-known species, is very modest and retiring in its 

 disposition, and dwells principally in fields, gardens, orchards, 

 or small plantations not far removed from human habita- 

 tions. It forms a pleasing variety in a large aviary of 

 mixed birds, and is usually well behaved. Although shy by 

 nature, it is a merry, active little bird, and, whenever it 

 alights, commences to go through a variety of pleasing move- 

 ments, whirling round, and raising and dropping its tail in a 

 manner not much unlike a Wagtail. The locomotion of 

 these birds, however, is by no means of a dignified character, 

 owing to their having short legs. They have a noisy chir- 

 ruping song, which is neither very musical or inspiriting, but 

 among a variety of singing birds their discordant notes seem 

 to increase the harmony of their companions by contrast. 

 Occasionally, pied varieties of these birds are met with, 

 some of which are very attractive and unique in appearance ; 

 but they are difficult to procure. 



A fully-grown adult specimen measures 5^in. from the tip 

 of the beak to the end of the tail, the latter being 2|-in. long. 

 The beak is dusky black, the irides greyish hazel ; the head 

 and hinder part of neck chestnut brown. The cheeks are 

 white ; at the back part of them, extending to the ears, is a 

 good sized black spot. A ring of greyish white encircles the 



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