10 4 
GOLDFINCH. 
now almost extirpated warren, the chase, the moorland, and 
the wild waste of the mountain side. 
In Scotland it is not uncommon in Aberdeenshire, and 
near Elgin, but is said to be rare in the neighbourhood of 
Edinburgh, and to be so now in Linlithgowshire, though 
formerly very abundant there. It is an occasional visitant 
to Zetland. 
In Ireland it occurs throughout the four provinces; but 
Mr. Thompson, of Belfast, has remarked how capricious it is 
in its comings and goings. 
They abide with us throughout the year, but roam about 
the country, and appear to be observed in the greatest num¬ 
bers together in the spring: the flocks generally consist of 
not more than twenty or thirty. 
In procuring its food, the Goldfinch often permits your 
near approach, seeming regardless of it, intent upon its one 
main object. It is very pleasant to watch them fluttering 
over the stems of the thistle, hanging on in various attitudes 
about them, and scattering about the down in picking out 
the seeds. On a sudden the little flock, probably the family 
of the summer, flit off, twittering their lively notes. 
They are easily tamed, and have been taught by those 
who might employ their time much more profitably, to per¬ 
form various tricks. The} r are sometimes seen in large, and 
sometimes in very small, but generally in moderate-sized 
flocks, and they also associate occasionally with Linnets. 
Severe winters prove fatal to many. In their wild state two 
instances have been known of the female pairing with the 
Greenfinch, and rearing the young, and in confinement with 
the Siskin and the Canary. They roost in trees. 
The late William Thompson, Esq., of Belfast, records that 
Bandal Burough, Esq., of the county of Clare, had two tame 
Goldfinches which were allowed not only to fly about the 
room, but also through the open window. The winter was 
beginning to be severe, and the food suitable for small birds 
consequently scarce, when one day the two birds brought with 
them a stranger of their own species, who made bold to go 
into the two cages that were always left open, and regale 
himself on the hospitality of his new friends, and then took 
his departure. He returned again, and brought others with 
him, so that in a few days half-a-dozen were enjoying the 
food provided for them. The window was now kept up, and 
the open cages, with plenty of seed, were placed on a table 
