11G 



REDPOLE. 



LESSEE 3JEDPOLE. LESSER EEDPOLE LHSTNET. 



Linaria minor, MACGTLUVRAY. 



Fringilla linaria, LINNAEUS. LATHAM. 



Linaria. Linum Flax. Minor Lesser. 



THE Lesser Redpole inhabits the north of Europe Denmark, 

 Norway, Sweden, and even the gelid Spitzbergen, Kamtschatka, 

 Iceland, and Siberia and as far south as Italy. In North 

 America also it is plentiful, if indeed the species be the 

 same; and, according to Temminck, is found in Asia, in 

 Japan. 



It is a denizen of the three kingdoms, and is found in 

 Orkney, where a flock of about fifty were observed at Westness, 

 in October, 1847. 



It is resident throughout the year in the north of England, 

 Ireland, and Scotland, but in the winter only, except in occa- 

 sional instances, is seen in the south. 



In winter they form large flocks, sometimes of thousands, 

 and frequent woods where birch and alder trees are found. 

 They are gentle and lively birds, and, unless scared, may be 

 nearly approached: they will even return to the same trees 

 immediately after having been fired at. They are very easily 

 kept in confinement, and have been known to breed in the 

 aviary of W. Koger, Esq., of Uxbridge. The female is very 

 devoted to her young. One has been taken off the nest with 

 the hand, and would not forsake it when released; she 



'Could not bid the spot adieu; 

 It was dear still 'midst her woes.' 



Their food consists of seeds of the turnip, the thistle, the 

 poppy, dandelion, mosses, and other plants; the birch, the 



