CLASS II. AVES: OKDER 2. PASSERES, 



165 



"^^'"'^"^"■Ivf^^r 





THE COMMON SNOW-BIUD. 



bird, common to both continents, being found as far north as Greenland, Spitzbergen, the Faroe 

 Islands, and Lapland. It migrates southward, always by night, on the approach of winter, and 

 some go as f;\r as England and France in Europe, and Virginia in America. Although thev mostly 

 breed in high northern regions, still some nests are found in most of the northern Atlantic States. 

 The eggs, usually four, are yellowish white, spotted. These birds feed on grass-seeds, berries, 

 insects, and larvaj. The S, Orer/anus, s\x inches long; reddish-brown above; black below; is 

 found on the Columbia River and in Texas. 



THE COMMON UNNKT OF EUROPE. 



THE LINNETS. 



Genus LINOTA : Linota. — Ihis includes the Common Linnet of Europe, L. cannabina — Linotte 

 of the French — four and three-quarter inches long ; chestnut-brown above ; breast red ; under 

 parts^pale wood-brown. It is a gay and active bird, with a sprightly and agreeable song, its voice 

 being loud and flute-like ; it is fond of the seed of flax, whence its popular name ; it feeds also on 

 various other seeds. The nest, made of twigs and grass, lined with wool, is usually placed in a 

 furze or other bush. It is common all over Europe ; it is familiarly known in England, whence we 

 find constant reference to it in English literature. The variations of plumage which occur in this 

 bird at different seasons and periods of life, have caused it to be known by the various names of 

 the Broion, Gray, and Rose Linnet ; it is also called the Whin Linnet, the Greater Eedpole, and 



