T H E TYPICAL FINCHES,
FRINGILLIN.^.
T - X R Sliai-pe tlins distinguislies tliese birds from the B u n t i n g s C u t t i n g edges of
i J mandibles conterminous or nearly so, mandibular angle at the chin very
slightly indicated." ^ , ^ „ j
Mr. Seebohm, in his History of British Bird., unites the Coccothraushrm and
FrinnlliticE.
Of this sub-family the British Museum " Catalogue of Birds enumerates over
one hundred and seventy speeies, comparatively few of which are imported
Excludmcx the strictly European species, the number available as foreigners, would
be about 155, many of which have nothing to recommend them to aviansts, either
in colouring or song; whilst many others, which would be acceptable, are either
exceedingly rare, or dif&cnlt to obtain alive. ^
The most typical Finch, inasmuch as it is the type species of the genus
FrmgUla is our European Chaffinch. This bird has a near relative F. madereusts
whidi might easily be imported, for I believe it is one of the cage-birds of
Madeira; but I have never seen living examples offered for sale: it is a far more
beautiful bird than our Chaf&nch, but would be quite as easy to keep, because its
habits, food, (and even song, for that matter) resemble those of its European
''^^'piobably the greatest check to the importation of Typical Finches is, to,
with few exceptions, they are too expensive for the majority of Bird-lovers. This
is not the fault of the dealers, but of the foreign catchers, who do not seem to
make an eifort to obtain any particular birds, but simply export what chance to
come to their nets, traps, or limed twigs. If specially bribed to do so, probably
they would exert themselves; the foreign Siskins, Serins etc., would then come in
greater numbers, would become cheaper, and thus be within the reach of all.