This little bird is very rare in Britain, and I had never seen a live specimen. But since this work went to press I have received one from Palermo. It is a neat and pretty shaped bird, and is closely allied to the Goldfinch, and has all its habits and manners. It is found in Germany, and is there said to be a great favorite with the stocking-weavers, from the resemblance its note bears to the noise of their looms.* The one I have in my possession is a male, and sings, and it has certainly a very peculiar note, but it is not unpleasant. They will imitate the notes of other birds; and the male Sisken will pair freely with the female Canary, and the singing of the produce is very much admired by some. They are also very apt to learn to draw their seed and water, like the Goldfinch.

* Bechstein.

Food

Treatment and food the same as the Goldfinch.

Characteristics Of The Sexes

The male has the top of the head, and under the beak, black; the hind part of the head, and all the upper parts of the body yellowish green; on the back streaked with brown, nearly yellow on the rump, the lower parts a greenish yellow, lighter on the belly, which is streaked with brown. There are two yellow bands across the wing, divided by one of black. The female has the crown and chin brown, and the other parts of the body are much duller in color.

Location

Sometimes seen in winter in Britain. Found in several parts of the Continent of Europe - Resident.