One of the merriest of all the many birds is the Goldfinch, or "Wild
Canary," as he is sometimes called. When winter, with its biting cold
and thick snow comes, we still find this cheerful little bird, visiting
with its many friends, perhaps perched on some barren branch, twittering
its gay little song to any who care to listen. It is during these months
that we find he has changed his bright yellow coat for one of olive
green. However, he still wears his little black cap as his head
covering.
Song: Not only does the Goldfinch resemble the Canary in color, but his
singing is quite canary-like, as well. His song is lively,
spontaneous and decidedly musical, often described as
"_per-chic-o-ree_." It is frequently given as the bird is on the
wing. The flight is undulating and as the bird rises in a great
upward curve, a clear song, with its wild care-free quality,
joyously fills the air.
Nest: The nest of the Goldfinch is sometimes found in low bushes or in
trees. It is one of the most beautiful structures that may be seen
out-of-doors. Fine grass and moss are used for the exterior, while
the very lightest of thistle-down is collected for the soft nest
lining. Fortunate, indeed, are the little birds who are reared in
this truly silken couch. The eggs, three to six in number, are of
a pale, bluish white color.
Remarks: The female Goldfinch is much darker in color. Instead of the
black cap and black wings of the male, she is covered with a
brownish olive above, and a yellowish white beneath. Indeed, she
is much the more modest of the two. This little "Wild Canary," who
sings as he flies, is as useful as he is attractive. He eats
objectionable weed seeds and other similar food. He is greatly
attracted by sun-flower seeds and he would often come very close
to our homes if we provided for him. When we see the Goldfinch
dipping through the air, and hear his happy "_per-chic-o-ree_,"
even from a distance we can make no mistake about his identity;
for of all the birds that have definite habits, the Goldfinch is
most characteristic in his manner of flying.
[Illustration: _Goldfinch--5¼ inches_]