LINNET 139 



engaged in breeding, are constantly travelling about in the open 

 country at all times of the year. 



In the colour of its plumage the linnet is one of the most variable 

 of birds : it is common to meet with bird-catchers and bird-fanciers 

 who hear with surprise, and even with incredulity, that all these 

 birds of different tints are of one species. The cock linnet never, 

 or very rarely, puts on his most beautiful colours in captivity, and 

 even in a state of nature the individuals composing a flock are seen 

 to differ greatly. Among a dozen birds, perhaps only one will ex- 

 hibit the perfect male plumage the blood-red forehead, grey head, 

 rich chestnut-brown upper parts, and lovely carmine breast. There 

 is one variety, known as the lemon linnet, in which the breast is 

 lemon-yellow instead of carmine-red ; and there are other varieties. 

 In song, too, the linnet greatly varies. When the singer is a good 

 one, and listened to at a distance riot exceeding twenty or thirty 

 yards, the strain is sprightly, varied, and very agreeable ; but the 

 sweetest part is a phrase of two or three notes which usually comes 

 as a prelude to the song ; the sound has a quality that reminds one 

 of the swallow's voice, but it is purer, and suggests a very delicate 

 wind instrument. During the love season the male sometimes sings 

 on the wing ; rising to a height of several yards, it drops slowly and 

 gracefully down, uttering a series of beautiful notes and trills. 



A furze-bush is the site most often selected for the nest ; this is 

 formed of fine dry grass and fibres, and lined with wool and vege- 

 table down, sometimes with hair. Four to six eggs are laid, chalky 

 white, and faintly tinged with blue in ground-colour, and spotted 

 with light reddish brown and purplish red. 



After the breeding season the linnets unite in large flocks, and 

 at this time there is a southward movement, and large numbers 

 undoubtedly leave this country to winter elsewhere. But even in 

 the cold season they are common enough, and their fitful winter- 

 evening concerts, when they congregate on a tree-top before settling 

 down for the night, are as pleasant to listen to as the love-song of 

 the male heard in spring among the blossoming furze and broom. 



Lesser Redpoll. 

 Linota rufescens. 



Forehead, lore, and throat .black ; crown deep crimson ; upper 

 parts reddish brown with dusky streaks ; wings and tail dusky. 



