3 86 
PERCHING BIRDS. 
black, the great coverts tipped with white; and the tail black, spotted with white. 
In September the general plumage changes to pale flaxen brown above, and whitish 
brown below. 
From Japan to the British Isles the common siskin (C. spinus ) 
Common Siskin. .„ . 
is round m suitable localities, breeding chiefly m the northern part 
of its range. During the breeding-season the cock-birds are restless and lively, 
singing nearly all day, generally while on the wing, and sending their joyous call- 
notes ringing through the air. The nest is very like that of the goldfinch, although 
CITRIL FINCH, SNOW-FINCH, AND LESSER REDFOLL Rat. size). 
not so neat; the one example that has come under our notice having been placed 
in a fir-tree about twelve feet from the ground. Although only occasionally nesting 
in England, the siskin breeds regularly in Scotland; and it has been recorded as 
breeding in Ireland. In winter it frequents alder groves, living in flocks, and 
searching the catkins for their seeds; and we have also seen it feeding on thistle- 
heads and the seeds of wild grasses. It occasionally interpairs with the lesser 
redpoll and goldfinch in confinement. The general colour of the male siskin is 
yellowish green above, the rump being bright yellow; the quills are blackish, the 
