12 
YELLOW BIRD, OR GOLDFINCH. 
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 arrival 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 har- 
mony not at all unpleasant.* 
About the last of November, and sometimes sooner, they 
generally 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, f During the latter part of summer 
* Carduelis of Brisson, having types in the common goldfinch and siskin 
of this country, is now generally used as the generic appellation for the 
group to which our present species belongs. It contains several American 
and European species. They are closely allied to the true linnets ; and 
the lesser red-poll, (the Fringilla linaria auctorum ,) has even by some been 
ranked with them. They also much resemble the latter group in their man- 
ners, their haunts, their breeding, and feeding. Every one who has lived 
much in the country, must have often remarked the common European gray 
linnets, in the manner above described of the American goldfinch, congregating 
towards the close of a fine winter’s evening, perched on the summit of some 
bare tree, pluming themselves in the last rays of the sun, chirupping the com- 
mencement of their evening song, and then bursting simultaneously into 
one general chorus ; again resuming their single strains, and again joining, 
as if happy, and rejoicing at the termination of their day’s employment. Mr 
Audubon has remarked the same trait in their manners, and confirms the 
resemblance of their notes : “ So much does the song of our goldfinch resemble 
that of the European species, that, whilst in France and England, I have fre- 
quently thought, and with pleasure thought, that they were the notes of our 
own bird which I heard.” — E d. 
f The flight of the American goldfinch, and its manners during it, are 
described by Mr Audubon with greater minuteness : it is exactly similar to 
the European bird of the same name, being performed in deep curved lines, 
