9 BRITISH BIRDS' EGGS. 



of a bluish or greenish white, spotted, chiefly at the larger 

 end, with reddish or purple-brown. 



THE SISKIN. Carduelis spinus. Although this little 

 bird has in several instances been known to breed in 

 Britain, yet the regions usually inhabited by it are Norway, 

 Sweden, and the north of Germany, from whence in severe 

 winters it migrates southwards, occasionally visiting our 

 islands in immense flocks. The nest, composed of materials 

 resembling those employed by the Chaffinch in building, is 

 placed sometimes high in pine-trees, but at other times not 

 far above the ground. The eggs are pale bluish or greenish 

 white, speckled at the thicker end with purplish-red and 

 brown. 



COMMON BROWN LINNET. Linaria cana&ina. The nests 

 of this bird are very frequently placed in furze-bushes, 

 but not always. They are rather carelessly constructed of 

 slender twigs, moss, and wool, lined with hair or feathers. 

 The eggs, from four to five or six in number, are bluish or 

 greenish white, spotted or marked with different tints of 

 reddish or purplish brown, chiefly at the thicker end. The 

 colour of the plumage in the male bird during the breeding 

 season is very beautiful, but its brighter colours disappear 

 when in a captive state. (PI. VIII. fig. 51.) 



