GOLDFINCH. 
Carduelis carduelis. 
Char. Forehead and throat crimson ; cheeks and lower throat white ; 
crown and nape black, the latter being bordered by a narrow line of 
white; back brown; wings black, tipped with white and barred with 
yellow ; tail-coverts white with black bases ; three outer tail-feathers 
black, with white central spots, the remainder black, tipped with white ; 
breast white, banded with brownish buff; flanks buffy; belly and under 
tail-coverts white. Length about 5 inches. 
Nest. In an orchard or garden, placed in a fork of a tree or bush ; a 
compact and neatly made structure of fine grass and moss, lined with 
grass and plant down, etc. 
Egi;s. 4-6 ; dull white tinged with blue or green, spotted and streaked 
with purplish brown ; 0.70 X 0.50. 
This European songster has been introduced within recent years, 
and though increasing slowly, appears to be thoroughly naturalized. 
It is most abundant near Hoboken, N. J., where a number were 
set at liberty in 1878, but examples have been taken in other States. 
A nest and eggs were discovered in Cambridge some ten years 
ago, and during the summer of 1890 a nest was taken near 
Worcester, Mass. 
In Great Britain it is very common, and breeds north to Caith- 
ness, and one nest has been taken on the south side of Skye. 
The young are fed on insects and larvae ; but Mr. Saunders says 
“ the principal food of the Goldfinch consists of seeds of the thistle, 
knapweed, groundsel, dock, and other plants.” 
VOL. I. — 23 
