52 
CHAFFINCH. 
SHILFA. SCOBBY. SHELLY. SHELLY. 
SHELL-APPLE. BEECH-EINCH. TWINE. SPINK. PINK* 
FringUla Calebs , Pennant. Montagu. Bewick. 
Fringilla, also Friqilla — A Chaffinch. Calebs — A Bachelor. 
This bird is generally distributed over the European con¬ 
tinent, being migratory in those countries which are colder, 
and stationary in those which are warmer. It is found from 
the Levant to the Azores, and from Denmark, Norway, and 
Sweden to the ‘Banks of the Blue Moselle,’ and all the other 
regions of the ‘sunny south.’ It occurs also on the northern 
shores of Africa. 
In this country it is one of our most common species, and 
the male one of the handsomest birds that we have, as will 
appear from the description. 
In the Orkney Islands it is very common in winter and 
spring, • and most likely breeds there, as several remain 
throughout the summer. Large flocks occasionally appear in 
October, especially after easterly gales. 
The Chaffinch is with us in some degree migratory, and 
is remarkable for the separation, in some parts of the country, 
of the males and females, during the winter months, and 
their collection at that season into separate flocks. Mr. Selby, 
speaking of this singular habit says, that in the county of 
Northumberland, and in Scotland, their separation takes place 
about the month of November; and that from that period 
till the return of spring, few females are to be seen, and those 
few always in distinct societies. The males remain, and are 
met with, during the winter, in immense flocks, feeding with 
