204 THE SMALLER BRITISH BIRDS. 



fall into traps and snares, even of the most simple construction. The 

 members of the little flocks appear greatly attached to each other; it 

 is related that on one occasion, when three out of a party of four 

 had been captured in a net, the fourth crept in, in order that it 

 might share the fate of its beloved companions. 



The note of this bird, which is only to be heard in perfection from 

 June to August, is described as rich, full, and clear. It sings, in its 

 native land, in the fine summer nights as well as during the day, and 

 is known as "the Watchman." 



The nest is usually placed on the branch of a tree, only a few feet 

 above the ground ; it consists of small sticks and dry stalks of plants, 

 and is lined with feathers. The eggs, four or five in number, are 

 white or bluish white. The young are said to be hatched in June. 



The food of this bird consists of the seeds, berries, and buds of nil 

 kinds of trees, and occasionally insects. 



The adult male is about eight inches and a half in length, and 

 has the bill dark brown, with the lower mandible tinged with red. 

 The irides are hazel; the legs and toes blackish brown, and the claws 

 black. The head, neck, and breast are red. The feathers of the 

 back are brownish grey, edged with red. Those of the wings and 

 tail are greyish black, mostly edged with white. The wing coverts 

 are tipped with white. The under surface of the body is grey. 



The female is of a greener tint than the male, and has the head 

 and neck yellow instead of red. 



The Pine Bullfinch and Greater Bullfinch are other names by which 

 this bird is known. Its specific title is derived from the Latin, 

 enucleator one that takes out the kernel of a thing. 



THE CROSSBILL, 



(Loxia curviros/ra.) 



PLATE XII I. FIGURE II. 



THIS bird is plentiful in the pine forests of Russia, Siberia, GS-ermany, 

 ;\nd Switzerland. It also inhabits Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, where, 

 according to Professor Nilsson, it builds during the winter in the top- 

 most branches of the fir trees. In France, Spain, and Italy it is 

 sometimes abundant. 



The Crossbills are very irregular visitors to the British Isles ; when 



