156 SECOND’ VISIT * £0, THEVNORTA LOFr- kee 
the female an olive tinge. The greenfinch has 
the cognomen of the green linnet, andis known 
commonly by this name amongst bird catchers 
who capture quantities of this easily-de- 
ceived bird. They are sociable, going about 
in small flocks even in the breeding season. 
At the end of summer, when nesting is over, 
they congregate in /arge numbers, associat- 
ing often with linnets and chaffinches. They 
are then seeking their food, which consists 
of seeds chiefly, of all kinds, those of the dan- 
delion being the favourite. In flight they 
keep close together, and if disturbed the 
whole flock take cover as soon as possible. 
Many migrate in autumn, but many also 
remain with us all the year round. Green- 
finches are prolific, five or six (or more) eggs 
being laid at a time (the first batch in early 
spring) and rearing three or four broods each 
season. It is one of the nests to be looked 
for late in the season. It is built fairly high, 
generally at the top of a tall bush, or low 
in a tree. The birds are very numerous in 
some places, and are widely distributed. 
