The GOLDFINCH (_Carduelis elegans_) may be considered as the type of a
group that has but few representatives, the only other species with which
we are acquainted being an inhabitant of the West Indies. The Goldfinches
are distinguished by their long, conical, compressed beak, bent slightly
at the tip; short strong legs, tail of middle length, and variegated
exterior. The feathers of both sexes are alike in their colouring, but
the young bear no resemblance to the parents. The length of the male is
about five inches, its breadth eight and three-quarter inches. The female
is not quite so large. The tail measures two inches, and the wing two
and a quarter inches from the shoulder to the tip. The plumage is most
beautifully marked and ornamented (see Coloured Plate V.); the beak,
which is flesh-coloured at the base and blue at the tip, is surrounded by
a black circle, and this again is encompassed by a broader band of red.
The back of the head and part of the otherwise white cheeks are black.
The back is brown, the belly white; and the sides of the upper part of
the breast light brown; the wings and tail black, streaked with white,
and the quills golden yellow at the root. The two sexes are so much alike
that it requires a practised eye to distinguish them, though the male has
somewhat more red on the face and a deeper black upon the head than the
female.
The Goldfinch inhabits a much larger extent of country than most others
of its race, being found over the whole of Europe, in Madeira, the
Canary Isles, North-western Africa, a large part of Asia, and even in
Cuba. Districts rich in trees and plants are the favourite resorts of
this bird, from whence it flies over the surrounding country in search
of food, frequently visiting our fields and gardens, and enlivening us
by its activity and beautiful song. When upon the ground, its movements
are decidedly slow and awkward; but nothing can exceed its nimbleness in
climbing, and it may often be seen hanging from a twig head downwards,
for whole minutes at a time. Its flight, like that of its congeners, is
light, rapid, and undulating; like them it hovers before perching. It
generally prefers the highest branch, upon which it sits bolt upright,
with plumage tightly compressed; but its restless disposition prevents
it from remaining for any great length of time upon one spot. It is
remarkably shy and peaceable in disposition, living upon excellent terms
with its feathered brethren, but preferring the society of the Titmouse.
The song of the male is loud and pleasing, and his voice may be heard
throughout the whole year, except during the moulting season. These birds
subsist upon various kinds of seeds, principally those of the thistle
tribe, so that wherever the latter are found we may look for the presence
of these pretty songsters; indeed, a more pleasing sight can scarcely be
imagined than that of a party of Goldfinches, as they hang head downwards
from the thistle tops, and rob them of their seeds by the aid of their
long and pointed beaks. In this business the harsh, strong feathers upon
the head are of great service, as they shield that part from the prickly
mass from which they pluck their food. During the summer, they destroy
large quantities of insects--indeed, upon these they feed their young,
thus rendering inestimable service to mankind. The nest is built upon
a tree at about twenty or twenty-four feet from the ground, and is so
carefully concealed at the end of the branch upon which it is placed, as
to be quite imperceptible until the leaves fall. The female alone works
at its construction, employing moss and fibrous roots for the outer
wall, and weaving these materials together in the most artistic manner
with spiders' webs; the interior is then lined with thistle-down, which
is kept in its place by the aid of horsehair or bristles. The male bird
sings with great vigour while the work progresses, but rarely assists
his mate in her labours. The brood consists of four or five delicate,
thin-shelled eggs, of a white or blueish-grey colour, lightly sprinkled
with violet grey spots, which form a kind of wreath at the broad end.
The eggs are generally laid about May, and the parent birds breed but
once during the summer. The female sits upon the nest for thirteen or
fourteen days, never leaving her brood for more than a few moments; her
mate brings such food as she requires, and subsequently assists her to
feed the young for some time after they are fully fledged. The capture
of Goldfinches is attended with but little difficulty, and, though shy,
they are easily tamed, and taught a variety of pleasing tricks. They will
pair with Canaries when caged, and the progeny have the colours of both
parents most curiously blended in their plumage. The food of these birds,
when tamed, should consist of seeds and an abundance of green-stuff; but
whilst nestlings, they must be fed upon bread soaked in water, until
their beaks have acquired a little strength.