^EGIOTHUS LINARIA I RED-POLL LINNET. 223 



This interesting bird only occurs in New England as 

 a migrant and winter visitant from the North, being 

 limited in southward extension in the breeding season 

 by the Hudsonian Fauna. Like other boreal Fringil- 

 lidce which come south in the fall from their breeding 

 grounds in high latitudes, the Red-poll occurs in flocks 

 of greater or less extent, often in company with Pine 

 Grosbeaks and Crossbills ; but is so irregular in its 

 movements that its appearance cannot be relied upon, 

 and that the times of its entering and leaving our 

 country cannot be given with precision. It is com- 

 monly seen from November to March, both inclusive, 

 in roving flocks, which roam about woods, groves, 

 and weedy fields, wandering incessantly in search of 

 the seeds which at this season constitute their sole fare. 

 Though not a wary or suspicious bird, it is timid and 

 easily startled from its feeding grounds, when the 

 alarmed flock hurries to the top of some leafless tree, 

 until sufficiently reassured to descend again to the 

 weeds and scatter in search of food. Some seasons 

 the Red-polls are among the most abundant winter 

 birds of southern New England ; at others none may 

 appear in the same localities where they were before 

 so numerous. They have an agreeable call-note, fre- 

 quently uttered when the flock is dispersed to glean 

 for food, or when roving in a compact body from place 

 to place. It resembles that of the Goldfinch and Pine 

 Siskin, having much of the same lisping sibilant qual- 

 ity ; and indeed the general habits of the Red-polls in 

 winter remind one of those of the familiar Thistle-bird 

 at the same season. The eggs, four or five in num- 

 ber, are very pale bluish, finely speckled all over with 

 reddish-brown, and measure about 0.65 by 0.52. 



