LESSER REDPOLE. 591 



and a half in length, by five lines and a half in breadth. 

 Pennant says, " We found the nest of this species on an 

 alder stump near a brook, between two and three feet 

 from the ground ; the bird was sitting on four eggs, and 

 was so tenacious of her nest, as to suffer us to take her off 

 with our hand ; and we found that after we had released 

 her she would not forsake it." Mr. Selby adds, that " in 

 winter, the Lesser Redpole descends to the lower grounds 

 in considerable flocks, frequenting woods and plantations, 

 more especially such as abound in birch or alder trees, 

 the catkins of which yield it a plentiful supply of food. 

 When feeding, its motions afford both interest and amuse- 

 ment ; since in order to reach the catkins, which generally 

 grow near the extremities of the smaller branches, it is 

 obliged, like the Titmouse, to hang with its back down- 

 wards, and assume a variety of constrained attitudes ; and, 

 when thus engaged, it is so intent upon its work, as fre- 

 quently to allow itself to be taken by a long stick smeared 

 with bird-lime, in which way I have occasionally captured 

 it when in want of specimens for examination. It also 

 eats the buds of trees, and (when in flocks) proves in this 

 way seriously injurious to young plantations. Its call- 

 note is very frequently repeated when on wing, and the 

 notes it produces during the pairing season, although few, 

 and not delivered in continuous song, are sweet and 

 pleasing." 



According to Mr. Thompson, the Lesser Redpole is com- 

 mon in Ireland. Sir William Jardine, writing from home 

 in Dumfriesshire, says, " a few pairs breed here annually 

 in the vicinity, in young moorland plantations ; and it is 

 not unfrequent during summer in the Middle Highlands. 

 Small parties also occur in the winter." Mr. Macgillivray, 

 in confirmation, adds, " that in many parts of Scotland this 

 Redpole remains all the year, breeding in the hilly districts 



