BRITISH BIRDS. 253 



THE LINNET. 



GREATER REDPOLE, OR RED HEADED LINNET. 



(Fringilla Canndbina^ Linn. Gros-bcc 

 Temm.) 



THE length is five and a half inches; breadth 

 nine and three quarters. The bill is thick at the 

 base; the upper mandible dusky, the under one 

 whitish. A pale brownish streak passes from the 

 bill over and below each eye; the irides are dark; 

 on the crown of the head is a bright crimson or 

 lake-red spot; the rest of the head is ash-grey, 

 striped with brown on the back part, and mottled 

 with the same colours on the brow, and on each 

 side of the crown ; the chin is yellowish ; the 

 hinder part and sides of the neck are dingy ash; 

 the fore part dull white, spotted with dark brown. 

 The breast is of the same brilliant red as the crown 

 of the head ; the sides are pale reddish brown, 

 fading into a dull white in the middle of the belly 

 from the breast to the vent; the back, scapulars, 



