140. The ORTOLAN (Emberiza hortulana) is a species of bunting, known by its quill feathers being brown, the first three whitish at the edges; and the tail feathers brown, the two lateral ones black on the outer side.
It is found in most countries of the Continent, but has never been caught in England.
During the months of July, August, and September, these birds become excessively fat; and, at that season, they are in great demand by epicures on the Continent. They are caught in vast numbers at a time, are kept in dark cages, and fattened for the table with oats and millet seed.
There is a great traffic in ortolans carried on by the inhabitants of the island of Cyprus; where they are pickled in spice and vinegar, and packed in casks, each containing from 300 to 400 birds. In this state they are exported to France, Holland, and England, where they are sold at very high prices. We are informed that, in productive years, 400 such casks, or on an average 140,000 of these birds, are sacrificed, to the palate of man, in the island of Cyprus only.
By many persons ortolans are kept in cages as singing birds; and they are much esteemed on account of their song.
141. The GOLDFINCH (Fringilla carduelis) is a small bird, distinguished by having all the quill feathers, except the two outermost, marked with yellow in the middle; the front of the head red, and the crown black.
These birds are found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and are very common in most parts of England.
As a songster this bird ranks high, but particularly on account of the vivacity and sprightliness of its tones; and, in addition to these, the beauty of its plumage, and the facility with which it may be instructed to perform many amusing tricks, have rendered it a great favourite. One of the commonest of these that they are taught is to draw up their own food and drink, in small cups formed for that purpose. If a young goldfinch be placed with any other singing bird it will readily learn its song.
Goldfinches, during the winter season, assemble in flocks; but they separate into pairs at the commencement of spring. They frequently construct their nests in orchards or large gardens; forming them externally of moss interwoven with other soft materials, in a most beautiful, compact, and artificial manner; and internally with grass, horse-hair, wool, and feathers. The eggs are five in number, and of white colour, speckled and marked with reddish brown.
142. The CANARY-BIRD (Fringilla canaria) is a species of finch, the bill and body of which are generally of straw-colour, and the quill and tail feathers greenish.