THE GOLDFINCH 
57 
FOOD—Grain, seeds, sprouting cereals— hence a 
crreat pest to the farmer in cereal-growing distucts, 
also to the market-gardener. 
NEST— Built in a hollow on the ground (see pp- 
43, 46); 4 or 5 eggs (in November or December). 
HABITS— The height to which it soars. when 
singing is usually considerable, but it is noticeab e 
that in New Zealand this is gradually diminishing. 
It does not hop, but either runs or walks— usually 
the former. 
THE GOLDFINCH 
SONG—Twelve to fifteen notes of equal length, 
without pause: seldom sings more than two or 
three times before flying to a new position. bong_ 
is more like that of a good canary than is that of 
any other bird in New Zealand—less notes but same 
quality. 
DESCRIPTION —Easily recognised by its yellow 
and black, also brown and white plumage, with a 
good number of small red feathers near the bi . 
Legs, flesh-coloured. (See p. 59.) 
FOOD—Seeds of both garden flowers and wild 
flowers—especially fond of the seeds of cosmos 
and broad-leaved “plantain” (ribgrass). 
NEST—Built in hedge, bush or small tree. 
October, November or December. Lays 4, 5 or 6 
eggs in it. (See pp. 43, 46.) 
HABITS—Flies short distance in a series of 
swoops. Like the thrush, the Goldfinch prefers 
elevated positions—a high fence, telephone wires, 
etc. It is extraordinarily attracted by a caged bird 
