THE LESSER RED-POLL. 



PLATE XXXVI. 



Class Aves, Order Passeres. Genus Fringilla. Spe- 

 cies Linaria. 



THIS bird corresponds so exactly in size, figure and color 

 of plumage with that of Europe, of the same name, as to place 

 their identity beyond a doubt. They inhabit during summer 

 the most northern parts of Canada and still more remote 

 northern countries, from whence they migrate at the com- 

 mencement of winter. They appear in the Gennesee country 

 with the first deep snow, and on that account are usually 

 called by the title of Snow-birds. As the female is destitute 

 of the crimson on the breast and forehead, and the young 

 birds do not receive that ornament till the succeeding spring, 

 such a small proportion of the individuals that form these 

 flocks are marked with red, as to induce a general belief 

 among the inhabitants of those parts that they are two dif- 

 ferent kinds associated together. Flocks of these birds have 

 been occasionally seen in severe winters in the neighborhood 

 of Philadelphia. They seem particularly fond of the seeds of 

 the common alder, and hang head downwards while feeding, 

 in the manner of the yellow-bird. They seem extremely un- 

 suspicious at such times, and will allow a very near approach 

 without betraying any symptoms of alarm. 



The specimen represented in the plate was shot, with seve- 

 ral others of both sexes, in Seneca county, between the Seneca 

 and Cayuga lakes. Some individuals were occasionally heard 

 to chant a few interrupted notes, but no satisfactory account 

 can be given of their powers of song. 



This species extends throughout the whole northern parts 

 of Europe, is likewise found in the remote wilds of Russia ; 

 was seen by Steller in Kamtschatka ; and probably inhabits 

 corresponding climates round the whole habitable parts of the 



