222 
GOLDFINCH. 
and before the middle of May appear in brilliant yellow: the 
whole plumage towards its roots is of a dusky bluish black. 
The song of the Yellow-bird resembles that of the Goldfinch 
of Britain ; but is in general so weak as to appear to proceed 
from a considerable distance, when perhaps the bird is perched 
on the tree over your head. I have, however, heard some sing 
in cages with great energy and animation. On their first arri- 
val in Pennsylvania, in February, and until early in April, they 
associate in flocks, frequently assembling in great numbers on 
the same tree to bask and dress themselves in the morning sun, 
singing in concert for half an hour together; the confused 
mingling of their notes forming a kind of harmony not at all 
unpleasant. 
About the last of November, and sometimes sooner, they^e- 
nerally leave Pennsylvania, and proceed to the south; some, 
however, are seen even in the midst of the severest winters. 
Their flight is not direct, but in alternate risings and sinkings, 
twittering as they fly, at each successive impulse of the wings. 
During the latter part of summer they are almost constant visi- 
tants in our gardens, in search of seeds, which they dislodge 
from the husk with great address, while hanging, frequently 
head downwards, in the manner of the Titmouse. From these 
circumstances, as well as from their colour, they are very gen- 
erally known, and pass by various names expressive of their 
food, colour, &c. such as Thistle-bird, Lettuce-bird, Sallad-bird, 
Yellow-bird, &c. &c. The gardeners who supply the city of 
Philadelphia with vegetables often take them in trap-cages, 
and expose them for sale in the market. They are easily fa- 
miliarized to confinement, and feed with seeming indiflference 
a few hours after being taken. 
The great resemblance which the Yellow-bird bears to the 
Canary, has made many persons attempt to pair individuals of 
the two species together. An ingenious French gentleman who 
resides in Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania, assured me, that he had 
tried the male Yellow-bird with the female Canary, and the 
female Yellow-bird with the male Canary, but without effect. 
