The chaffinch is one of the commonest of the British finches.
Photo by C. Reid] [Wishaw, N.B.
HOUSE-SPARROWS.
The sparrow is to be reckoned among the few really harmful British birds.
Among the True Finches, distinguished from the Grosbeaks by their less powerful bills, are several other well-known British birds. Of these, none are better known than the Chaffinch. Gay in appearance and sprightly in habit, this is a general favourite everywhere, and much in demand as a cage-bird. His short though delightful song possesses a peculiar charm, coming as it does with the earliest signs of returning spring. The fascination of this song has never been better expressed than in Browning's lines:—
O to be in England
Now that April's there;
And whoever wakes in England
Sees, some morning, unaware,