220 FRINGILLID^. 



yellow plumage and larger size of the Siskin, they might 

 well be mistaken one for the other. The Redpole, how- 

 ever, is a much more frequent bird, as its annual visits 

 to the southern counties of England in winter are as 

 regular as those of Swallows in summer. Though a 

 northern bii^d, it does not unexceptionally repair to high 

 latitudes, but in summer remains to breed in Scotland and 

 the northern counties of England. As far south as York- 

 shire it is not unfrequent, and its nest has been occasion- 

 ally found in the midland counties ; some eggs were 

 recently brought to me in Hertfordshire. Meyer relates,* 

 that having one confined in a cage he placed it in his 

 garden in fine weather, in the hope that other birds of 

 the same species might be attracted by its note to visit 

 it in its confinement. His expectation was realized, for 

 several wild Redpoles not only came into his garden 

 and twittered their notes of recognition froui the neigh- 

 bouring trees, but actually alighted on the bars of the 

 cage. This took place in the county of Sui-rey, and during 

 the month of June, thus proving that some at least of the 

 species remain with us all the year round. The nest, 

 which is remarkably small, is described as being placed in 

 the fork of an alder-tree, loosely constructed of dry grass 

 and weeds, and lined either with the cotton of the willow 

 or the pappus of some compound flower, stated by some to 

 be dandelion, by others, thistle, but perhaps, in reality, 

 coltsfoot. In captivity, Redpoles are prized for their liveli- 

 ness and remarkable affection for each other, and, indeed, 

 for all little birds who do not disdain their attentions. 



* Illustrations of British Birds, vol. iii. p. 120. 



