THE LINNET AND REDPOLL. 



THOUGH the Greenfinch is sometimes known in the 

 'country as the 'Linnet/ still there is but one Finch in 

 Britain really called that name, and that is the bird with 

 which we are at present interested. 



The Linnet has nothing in its plumage particularly 

 striking save the rosy hue which adorns the breast of the 

 male in the breeding season, and which contrasts well 

 with the rich brown upper plumage. But, nevertheless, 

 it is a very interesting little creature, and has a pleasing 

 song. It is common in most districts in the winter time, 

 frequenting the waste grounds and weedy places, and in 

 the summer months repairing to the gorse coverts, where 

 it builds its nest. 



Linnets are found in flocks up to the period of the 

 vernal equinox. A little previous to that time the male 

 birds commence to sing in low and subdued tones, but 

 as the season advances the song increases in vigour, and 

 when the males of an entire flock are all warbling forth 

 their notes we have a concert that Orpheus himself would 



