1 8 THE NESTS AND EGGS OF 



without markings. Average measurement, '8 inch in 

 length by -6 inch in breadth. Incubation is performed 

 by the female, but the length of the period appears to be 

 unknown ; probably it is similar to that of the Chaffinch, 

 and lasts from twelve to fourteen days. 



Diagnostic characters : The only eggs with which 

 those of the Brambling can be confused are those of the 

 Chaffinch, and unfortunately no reliable character can be 

 given to distinguish them. As a rule the eggs of the 

 Brambling are more vivid green in ground colour, more 

 clouded, and the spots are not so large and distinct. 



Family FRINGILLID^E. Genus Linota. 



Sub- family FRINGILLINyE. 



MEALY RED POLE. 



Linota linaria {Lumceiis). 



(British : Autumn migrant.) 



Single Brooded. Laying season, May and June. 



Breeding area : Northern Nearctic and Pal^arctic 

 regions. The Mealy Redpole breeds principally in the 

 birch regions, at or near the limits of forest growth in 

 Europe, Asia, and North America. Its southern range 

 is not very accurately determined, inasmuch that the 

 bird has been confused with the Lesser Redpole, 

 especially in the Alpine districts of Europe. 



Breeding habits : So far as can be gathered from 

 the somewhat meagre details on record regarding 

 the nidification of the Mealy Redpole, there is little 

 if any difference between this species and the, to British 

 ornithologists, better known Lesser Redpole. The 

 Mealy Redpole probably pairs annually. The favourite 



