194 THE BIRDS OF YORKSHIRE. 



fifty were taken by one man in a week, though, where any 

 protection is afforded, it is inclined to increase in numbers. 

 In autumn it is more frequently observed, as then the old 

 and young wander about in search of food, and additions 

 to their ranks are received from northern migrants ; this 

 was especially noticeable in 1880 when some were seen at 

 Spurn late in November, and the Migration Reports contain 

 entries in 1884, 1886, and 1887 concerning its appearance 

 at the light stations in October and November. It has also 

 been noted during the return passage in spring, in March 

 and April, at the Tees Lighthouse (Sixth Report ; see also 

 Zool. 1881, p. 133, for particulars as to other places). 



Melanic varieties of plumage frequently occur when in 

 captivity, as mentioned by Tunstall (see above), and other 

 observers, and some have been noticed in a wild state. 



Mr. K. Maclean states (MS.) that in the Staithes and Loftus 

 districts, when a boy, he frequently caught a larger form 

 which went by the name of the " Russian Bullfinch." (See 

 next species.) 



The local names include Bullspink and Bully, which are 

 in general use ; Bullflinch at Thirsk ; Bully Black Head or 

 Black-headed Bully at Loftus-in-Cleveland ; and Thickbill 

 at Hebden Bridge. The name Bullfinch Grosbeak, given 

 by M.P. in a Wensleydale list of birds (Loudon's Mag. 1832) 

 is merely an attempt to bestow a generic and specific term in 

 English ; and Coal Hood and Hedge Coal Hood, given in 

 Doncaster records by Neville Wood, are not local names at 

 all, but merely fanciful appellations given by that author, 

 and used by no one else. 



NORTHERN BULLFINCH. 



Pyrrhula major {Brehmy 



Accidental visitant from Northern Europe ; rare. 



This large form of the Bullfinch, which is separated by 

 Brehm as a distinct species, is found in Northern Europe 



