FRINGILLID^. in 



frequent the banks of some of our smaller streams 

 and rivulets about the end of November. These 

 flocks leave again for their northern breeding stations 

 in March. Though instances have been recorded 

 of this species nesting in southern counties, I have 

 never been able to meet with an authenticated nest 

 in either Berkshire or Buckinghamshire. 



This bird may be distinguished from the Mealy 

 Redpole by having its tail feathers not nearly so 

 long or so deeply forked as that bird : it is also 

 smaller in size. 



Mountain Linnet {Linota montiuni). Like the 

 last-named species, this is also a winter visitor, but 

 not so abundant. It is more frequently found on hill- 

 sides and moors, and is on this account less common 

 in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. Its food consists 

 almost wholly of seeds. This bird is distinguished 

 from the common Linnet, and both the Redpoles, by 

 its yellow bill, by the greater length of its tail, which 

 is also more forked, and by possessing a reddish 

 throat, without any red on the breast or head which 

 is characteristic of the other species. 



Common Crossbill {Loxia mrvirostrd). This 

 remarkable-looking bird is a winter visitor, but never 

 appears in any great numbers, although in some 

 seasons it is more common than in others. As it is 

 not a regular visitor, it may be interesting to enume- 

 rate here the dates and localities of its occurrence 

 which have come under my notice. 



