46 THE NESTS AND EGGS OF BRITISH BIRDS. 



spotless. Average measurement, 7 inch in length, by 

 •5 inch in breadth. Both parents assist in the duty of 

 incubation, which lasts fourteen days, the female, how- 

 ever, sitting the most. 



Diagnostic characters : Absolutely indistinguish- 

 able from those of the Linnet. Perhaps they are on an 

 average a little more streaked, but the most careful 

 identification is required. The yellow bill, long tail, and 

 absence of red from the crown and breast will serve to 

 identify this species. 



Family FRINGILLID.E. Genus Linota. 



Sub-family FRINGILLIN.-E. 



LESSER REDPOLE, 



Linota rufescens {Vieillot). 

 Single Brooded generally. Laying season, May and Ji^nie. 



British breeding area : The Lesser Redpole is 

 another somewhat local bird during the breeding 

 season. In England it breeds in most suitable localities 

 north of lat. 52^° ; but south of that limit it becomes not 

 only local, but in many places rare or entirely absent, 

 especially so in the extreme west and south-west. It 

 certainly breeds in the lovely grounds of the Rock 

 Walk at Torquay, and elsewhere in South Devon. In 

 Scotland it is chiefly confined to birch woods and 

 plantations of young firs. In Ireland it breeds in some 

 numbers, but its principal haunts appear to be in the 

 northern districts. 



Breeding habits : The Lesser Redpole frequents a 

 variety of places fornesting purposes. In some districts 



