The SIBERIAN BULLFINCH (_Uragus Sibericus_) is remarkable from the
circumstance that, unlike most bullfinches, its tail is as long as its
whole body; the fourth tail-feather on each side being the longest, the
others graduating gently to the middle. The beak is of moderate size, and
the upper mandible slightly bent over the lower. The fourth quill of the
wing is longer than the rest. In colour the Siberian Bullfinch resembles
the Rosefinch; the plumage of the old male is almost entirely of a rose
colour, darker on the back, owing to the prominent marking of the shafts
of the feathers. The head and throat are whitish, and of satin-like
brilliancy, particularly after the moulting season. The lower part of
the body is very brilliant, being of a bright carmine-red, and the beak
is surrounded by a line of the same hue. The individual feathers are
dark grey, lightly edged with pale carmine, and the wings and tail are
also vividly tinted with the latter colour. The small upper wing-covers
and shoulder-feathers are white upon the tip and outer web, or bordered
with white, giving the closed wing the appearance of being white, marked
with a crooked line of grey. The three external tail-feathers are also
white as far as their dark shaft, and a dark border on the inner web,
which becomes broader towards the middle of the tail, the feathers in
the centre being merely edged with white. The female is of an olive or
greyish green. The Siberian Bullfinches inhabit the marshy, reed-covered
districts of Northern Asia. In the autumn they congregate in parties of
from ten to thirty, and fly about uttering a monotonous piping note.
In Irkutsck these birds assemble in great numbers during the month of
September, and many are captured by bird-fanciers; but they entirely
lose their vivacity when in a cage, and do not long survive. In Oron the
Siberian Bullfinch is found in company with the Bohemian Chatterer; large
flocks are also seen in the Bareja Mountains about the end of September.
The flight of this species is somewhat undulating, and produces a buzzing
sound.
* * * * *
We are far better acquainted with the next bird that we shall describe--a
most splendid and interesting member of the family of Bullfinches. It
inhabits Africa, but frequently makes its way into Central Europe.