This is one of the most beautiful of the European cage birds. Besides the beauties of its plumage, it is a neat and clean little cage bird, and a sweet songster. It also possesses other good qualities; it is docile, and apt to be taught, obedient to the call of its master or mistress, and capable of forming strong attachments to them. There is a resemblance between it and the American Goldfinch in its manners and habits, and its partiality for the same food, as has been observed. It may be taught (the American also) to draw their seed and water, and they are easier taught this than any other birds I know of; they use their feet so nimbly, in holding on to the chain or cord to which their little buckets are suspended. The European is the aptest scholar; it is also superior in the beauty of the plumage, and likewise in its song, which, in some old birds, is very fine. They will imitate the Canary's notes, and also pair with them, the male Goldfinch with the yellow Canary hen; the produce is sometimes marked with the fine colors of the Goldfinch, and they make, I think, the most beautiful and best singing mules that can be bred from the Canary. The American will also pair with a Canary, but I do not think there is any improvement in the produce, either in the color of the plumage or the song.

Food

I have kept these birds in good health and spirits, (drawing their seed and water, and singing alternately,) on about half Canary and half hemp seed, with lettuce, cabbage, or ripe apple freely; plenty of green stuff is beneficial to them.

Characteristics Of The Sexes

The male and female of this bird are easily distinguished - that is, year old birds; a young bird has some resemblance to the female. The female has the crimson around the bill much smaller and fainter, the black stripe round the head (or bridal, as it is called,) is brown in the female, and her body is brown where the male is black.

Location

Found throughout Europe - Resident.