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By Alexander Wetmore
The finch, or sparrow, family has many species that are kept in cages or aviaries, since
their small size, tameness, and trim, pleasing
form give them definite attraction. Finches
are distributed abundantly throughout regions
where the keeping of small birds has long been
an interest, and, as they are easily obtained,
numerous kinds have become highly popular.
Most of them thrive in captivity, as they are
seed eaters whose care is not difficult.
Of the considerable variety only a few may
be mentioned here, as there is not space to
describe many common kinds, such as the greenfinch, brambling, chaffinch, yellow bunting, saffron finch, grassquits, red cardinals, and many
others that are prized by bird keepers.
A prime favorite of this family is the bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula), which as a species
ranges across Europe and northern Asia to
Japan. Several varieties or subspecies are
found through this vast region, differing slightly
in color and size.
The most common one in captivity is the
European bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula europaea). The male is beautifully colored in gray,
black, soft red and white; the female is duller
in hue (Color Plate III).
While wild trapped birds soon become tame,
the most interesting are those that are taken
from the nest and reared by hand, or those
that are bred in aviaries, as they become entirely without fear and are easily handled.
The ordinary song is a low, warbling whistle,
which, while pleasing, is not remarkable, but
captive birds are often taught to whistle simple
tunes, which they do most attractively. Often,
too, they learn to perform little tricks, and
become so tame that they may be allowed to
go in and out of their cages at will.
Though bullfinches often are fed entirely on
rape seed, it is better to give them a diet of
mixed seeds, and they are very fond of berries
and green food.
Originally appeared in the December 1938 issue of the National Geographic Magazine
This Web version COPYRIGHT 2004
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