80 THE FINCHES 



which nests regularly in the old pine-forests of Scotland, and the ordinary continental 

 race, L. curvirostra curvirostra, L., which has frequently nested in suitable localities 

 in many parts of England and also in Ireland. It is, however, more commonly 

 met with in winter, in small parties or flocks. [A. L. T.] 



3. Migration. In some seasons considerable " irruptions " occur. For in- 

 stance, in the well-marked irruption of 1909, "during late June, all July and August, 

 these birds were widely spread over Great Britain, but seem to have come most 

 under notice at the northern islands of Scotland, where forests and other cover 

 are non-existent," and the immigration was "remarkable for the number of the 

 visitors, and the wideness of the area covered. They were first detected on Fair 

 Isle ... on the 23rd of June. Their numbers afterwards increased, as if the birds 

 had come ... in a series of waves, and as many as 300 were seen some days " 

 (W. Eagle Clarke, Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1909, pp. 215-217 ; see also collected 

 notes, British Birds, vol. iii. passim, but especially pp. 226-228 and maps). In tracing 

 the origin of these immigrants, it is worth noting that, during the same period, 

 this species was also recorded from the Faroes, two specimens, now in the British 

 Museum, being obtained from a flock of eight first seen on July 2 (Rev. Francis 

 Turreff, in litt.). In the same connection it should also be mentioned that 

 a number of specimens received by Mr. Eagle Clarke (loc. cit.) "all belonged to 

 the continental race." The species is a regular migrational visitor to Shetland. 

 [A. L. T.] 



4. Nest and Eggs. Nesting place: in firs and larches, rarely less than 35 feet 

 above the ground. Nest : characteristic, and not to be confused with those of other 

 species a platform of larch or fir twigs ; on this dry grass, wool, sometimes moss 

 and roots, with a lining of finer grasses, more rarely hair (Ussher and Warren, 

 B. of Ireland). (PI. 8.) It is said to be constructed by the hen (Zander, Vogel 

 Mecklenburgs). The eggs, usually 3-4, occasionally 5, are like large greenfinch's 

 eggs, but the markings are generally darker and fewer. The usual type has a few 

 spots or scrawls of dark purple-red or almost black on a greenish white ground ; 

 but some eggs are unmarked, and others are only faintly blotched and smeared with 

 pale reddish brown. (PI. B.) 100 eggs of the Scotch race average '83 x -62 in. 

 [21'24x 15-91 mm.] in size. Laying begins as a rule in February-March, but on 

 the Continent eggs and young have been found usually from January onward, 

 but occasionally as late as September or even December, so that probably more 

 than one brood is reared at times. It makes its nest thicker in winter than in 

 summer (Keller). According to one writer the hen alone incubates (Zander, op. cit.). 



