516 FRINGILLID.E. 



" We found the nest of tins species on an alder stump near 

 a brook, between two and three feet from the ground ; the 

 bird was sitting on four eggs, and was so tenacious of her 

 nest, as to suffer us to take her off with our hand ; and 

 we found that after we had released her she would not for- 

 sake it." Mr. Selby adds, that " in winter, the Lesser Red- 

 pole descends to the lower grounds in considerable flocks, 

 frequenting woods and plantations, more especially such as 

 abound in birch or alder trees, the catkins of which yield 

 it a plentiful supply of food. When feeding, its motions 

 afford both interest and amusement ; since in order to reach 

 the catkins, which generally grow near the extremities of 

 the smaller branches, it is obliged, like the Titmouse, to 

 hang with its back downwards, and assume a variety of con- 

 strained attitudes ; and, when thus engaged, it is so intent 

 upon its work, as frequently to allow itself to be taken by 

 a long stick smeared with bird-lime, in which way I have 

 occasionally captured it when in want of specimens for ex- 

 amination. It also eats the buds of trees, and (when in 

 flocks) proves in this way seriously injurious to young plan- 

 tations. Its call-note is very frequently repeated when on 

 wing, and the notes it produces during the pairing season, 

 although few, and not delivered in continuous song, are sweet 

 and pleasing." 



According to Mr. Thompson, the Lesser Redpole is com- 

 mon in Ireland. Sir AVilliam Jardine, writing from home 

 in Dumfriesshire, says, a few pairs breed here annually in 

 the vicinity, in young moorland plantations ; and it is not 

 unfrequent during summer in the Middle Highlands. Small 

 parties also occur in the winter. Mr. Macgillivray in con- 

 firmation, adds, " that in many parts of Scotland this Red- 

 pole remains all the year, breeding in the hilly districts 

 among the brushwood that skirts the flanks of the mountains, 

 or covers the margins of streams in rocky dells. I have seen 



