or BIRDS. 
209 
is only one species of this bird found in England, and 
even that is not very common, being seen only at uncer- 
tain periods. 
The female is said to have two or three broods in the 
year: she makes no nest, but lays her eggs in the hollow 
of a treee, and sometimes in a hole in a wall, or even 
on the ground. It is a solitary bird, two of them being 
seldom seen together. In Egypt, where they are very 
common, they are seen only in small flocks. Its crest 
usually falls behind on its neck, except when it is sur- 
prised or irritated, and then it stands erect. 
Chaffinch. (PL 34.) The bill is of a pale blue, tip- 
ped with black; the eyes hazel; the forehead black; the 
crown of the head, and the hinder part and sides of the 
neck are of a bluish ash colour; sides of the head, throat, 
fore part of the neck, and the breast, are of a vinaceous 
red; belly, thighs, and vent white, slightly tinged with 
red; the back is of a reddish brown, changing to green on 
the rump: both greater and lesser coverts are tipped with 
white, forming two pretty large bars across the wing; 
the bastard wing and quill feathers are black, edged with 
yellow; the tail, which is a little forked, is black, the out- 
ermost feather edged with white; the legs are brown. 
The female wants the red upon the breast; her plumage 
in general is not so vivid, and inclines to green; in other 
respects it is not much unlike that of the male. 
This beautiful little bird, which is well known in Eng- 
land, begins its short and repeated song early in spring, 
and continues it till about the middle of summer, after 
which it is no more heard. The female lays generally 
five or six eggs, of a pale reddish colour, sprinkled with 
dark spots, principally at the larger end. The male is 
very assiduous in his attendance during the time of hatch- 
ing, seldom straying far from the place, and then only to 
procure food. Chaffinches subsist chiefly on small seeds 
of various kinds; they likewise eat caterpillars and in- 
sects, with which they also feed their young. They are 
seldom kept in cages, as their song possesses no variety, 
and they are not very apt in learning the notes of other 
birds. The males frequently maintain obstinate com 
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