BIRDS 



Redbreast (ROBIN). So familiar that little need be said about it. Note, 

 however, that while a common resident, a paler-coloured sub-species visits us 

 as a bird of passage to and from North Europe. The bird's habit of making 

 a " claim " on a particular strip of land, be it garden or hedgerow, and attack- 

 ing pugnaciously any intruder of its own species, should also be noted. As for 

 its colour, its olive-brown, crimson, and greyish white mark it at once, as well 

 as its impudent carriage. The young are quite unlike the parents, being 

 yellowish brown, speckled and spotted, more like a miniature Thrush, until 

 the autumn, when the regular mature colours appear. 



The song is a delightful tinkle ; the call-note a " Tick-tick " ; and there is 

 also a plaintive, weeping note when disturbed or alarmed. The nest is placed 

 in the most various receptacles a hole in a bank, an old kettle, or any other 

 position that affords cover. The eggs are dull white spotted with red. 



Redpoll, Lesser in the Midlands known as a " PUEY," from its plaintive 

 little call-note recognized by its small size, its rosy cap (the Linnet has the 

 red on the forehead), and, in the male, the summer garb of rosy waistcoat. 

 The bird is resident in most parts, though it does not breed in the South-west 

 of England. The nest may be in a high tree or in a bush or hedge, and is made 

 of twigs, moss, and grass, usually lined with down. The eggs are distinguished 

 by their dull surface and greenish colour with red and purplish brown spots. 

 The song is a low twittering, the alarm note a scolding chatter like the Linnet's. 

 The bird is a very graceful, active creature, remarkably bold and agile, and, 

 when caged, is very quickly tamed. 



Redpoll, Mealy, or GREATER REDPOLL. Does not breed here, but is a 

 regular winter visitor, especially on the eastern side. It is larger than the 

 former, and is less chestnut-coloured on the back. Its call-note is " Chizzzz," 

 and its song has been written as 

 " Zig, wig, chutta chutta, che-we- 

 we." 



Redstart. This handsome bird, 

 locally known as the " FIRE-TAIL," 

 is a summer visitor, arriving in 

 April. Distinguished by the white 

 forehead on a jet-black head, 

 throat, and neck. A rich chestnut 

 on the lower rump and tail coverts, 

 the breast, and flanks ; the tail the 

 same, but duller, the two middle 

 feathers of which are a light brown. 

 The rest of the upper parts are 

 grey. The female is brown-grey 

 above, dull white below, but having 

 the chestnut tail and rump, and a 

 rufous tinge on the breast. 



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Redstart. 



