BRITISH BIRDS' NESTS. 443 



islands, and Ireland. According to my experience 

 it is more numerous as a breeding species in the 

 Outer Hebrides than anywhere else in our country. 



Materials. Twigs, fibrous roots, grass stalks and 

 blades, moss, and wool, with an inner lining of 

 feathers, hair, or down. 



Eggs. Four to seven, generally five or six ; 

 very similar, indeed, to those of the Linnet. Pale 

 bluish-green, spotted and streaked with reddish- 

 brown and dark brown ; sometimes streaked with 

 the lighter reddish tinge. Some authorities say 

 that they are a little more streaked, and that the 

 light red markings are less frequent than in those 

 of the Linnet. The markings are generally most 

 numerous on the larger end of the egg. Easily 

 distinguished by the appearance of the parent 

 birds. Size about .69 by .5 in. (See Plate II.) 



Time. May and June. 



Remarks. Resident in its breeding haunts, but 

 a winter visitor to the more southern portions of 

 England. Notes: twite; the cock has a pleasing 

 little song. Local and other names : Mountain 

 Linnet, Twite, Finch, Heather Lintie. Sits closely. 



YOUNG TWITES. 



