225 
CHAFFINCH. 
Fringilla Coelebs^ 
This favourite of birdfanciers remains with us all 
the year, is a stout, hardy bird, common in almost 
every hedge, and garden, and in the house will sing 
seven or eight months in the year, though in its wild 
state we do not hear it above three. 
Of all small birds, except the goldfinch, the chaf- 
finch makes the prettiest nest ; in the top of a high 
hedge, or on the side branches of a tree : the outside 
is green moss, small twigs, withered grass, horse and 
cow hair, beautifully blended, and lined with wool 
and feathers. In this nice warm, soft bed, the hen 
lays four or five eggs, and has young ones the begin- 
ning of May. She has tv/o broods in the year ; the 
tirst, all males, the latter, females. The male is very 
assiduous in his attentions, amusing his partner with 
his sweetest notes, seldom straying to any distance, 
and then only to procure food, which consists of 
