120 FAUNA OF SHROPSHIRE. 



is absent in the House Sparrow. It is frequent in 

 stubble fields, and is not generally found near houses 

 except in severe weather. 



CHAFFINCH, or Pyefinch B. Very abundant every- 



Fringilla ccelebs. where. The hen has been seen to 



simulate lameness to decoy a dog from 



its nest. The compact nest is beautifully decorated 



with bits of lichen and moss. 



Brambling, or Mountain Finch. Resembles the Chaf- 

 .F. Montifringilla. finch, but has a bright chestnut- 



Nov. Feb. coloured patch on the shoulders. It 



occurs every Winter, and some years 

 in numbers, as in 1894-5. A P a ^ r was seen a * Ludlow 

 in May, 1882, and at Church Stretton in July, 1898, 

 but no nest found. There seems to be no reason, how- 

 ever, why the Brambling should not breed here. 



LINNET B. Abundant where gorse grows; nests in the 

 Acanthis cannabina. bushes. It varies remarkably in colour 

 and some specimens resemble the next 

 species very closely indeed. 



Mealy Redpole. Rare, or else generally overlooked. Has 



A. linaria. been recorded at Eaton Constantine 



by Mr. Beckwith, at Boreatton Park 



by Dr. Sankey, and at Longden-on-Tern, by Rev. J. B. 



Meredith. 



LESSER REDPOLE B. Common in Winter, and a few 

 A. rufescens. . spend the Summer here, nesting at 



Shrewsbury, Hawkstone, and else- 

 where. It is often seen in large flocks on stubble fields 

 during winter. 



