1 3 4 BRITISH BIRDS 



The Grey Linnet. See Linnet (Common). 



The Lesser Redpoll. See Common Redpoll. 



The Mealy Redpoll. 



This is thought to be merely a local variety of the 

 ordinary Redpoll, but it differs from the latter in being 

 less frequently met with on the south side of the Tweed 

 during the summer months, as well as in being somewhat 

 larger. 



It is much paler in colour than the ordinary Redpoll 

 and has a lighter coloured bill, while the red of its cap 

 is of even a more fiery shade than that of the latter. 



It is a pretty creature and very docile, but not being 

 so common as the other members of the Linnet group it 

 has greater attractions for the "judges" at shows, where 

 it mostly secures a prize when put in competition with 

 them and the Siskin. 



It is fed and treated in the same way and is equally 

 hardy when properly managed, but is even more impatient 

 of artificial heat, which quickly destroys, first its liver and 

 then its life. 



The Red Linnet. See Linnet (Common). 

 The Red-rumped Linnet. See Twite. 



The Twite. 



This bird, sometimes called the Yellow-billed or Red- 

 rumped Linnet, differs from the ordinary Linnet in many 

 respects. In the first place it is smaller, being intermediate 

 as regards size between it and the Redpoll ; then it has a 

 yellow bill while that of its larger relation is dusky blue in 

 summer and grey in winter ; and particularly it has no 

 red on the head and breast, but some on the rump. 



The habitat of this species is in the north, and it only 

 comes south in winter. The nest is compactly built and 

 situated in a low bush; the eggs resemble those of the 



