236 EEDPOLL LINNET 



Redpoll Linnet : Acanthis linaria. 



Adult male, cap bright red ; rump and breast pinkish ; back 

 brownish ; chin black. Adult female, red confined to cap. 

 Young, similar to female but without red cap. Length, about 

 5 inches. 



GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION. Breeds in the northern part of 

 the northern hemisphere ; in winter migrates irregularly 

 southward, in America, to Virginia, Illinois, Kansas, and Ore- 

 gon. 



At the time when the Crossbills visited Chi- 

 cago, the Redpolls were also abundant there, and 

 Mr. Nehrling describes them as 

 climbing like titmice, " head 

 downward, along the branches of 

 shrubs and weed-stalks, always 

 uttering a peculiar chett or chett- 

 cherrett." He says that these 

 " exceedingly lively and beau- 

 tiful birds are especially strik- 

 ing objects among the snow-laden branches of 

 firs, spruces, and pines, and imbue such a cold 

 and dreary winter landscape with joy and happi- 

 ness." But their very beauty and trustfulness 

 prove their destruction. Together with number- 

 less Warblers, Finches, Creepers, and Nuthatches, 

 when they confidingly enter the villages and cities, 

 the street boys rush out and kill them mercilessly 

 with stones and sling-shots, with air-guns and 

 sticks. Mr. Nehrling exclaims against this 

 thoughtless cruelty of children, whom, he well says, 

 should be taught to carefully preserve the beauti- 

 ful in nature. 



