80 FRINGILLIDJi. 



SPECIES 75 THE LESSER REDPOLE. 



Linaria minor. Linn. 

 Gros-bec sizerin. Temm. 



THIS beautiful linnet, which we know not whether to admire 

 most for its diminutive form, elegant shape, or pleasing habits 

 in confinement, occurs in much more restricted numbers than 

 the preceding, and in summer is found sparingly about the 

 hedgerows in the vicinity of the city. Appearing of more 

 rarity during winter, we are unable to account for their dis- 

 appearance ; whether it is that they form into flocks as the 

 common linnet, and retire into the midland counties, or seek 

 in a partial migration some more genial clime, we are in 

 doubt ; but it is a species rarely indeed met with in any loca- 

 lity observed by us at that season. 



From having many opportunities of observing them in con- 

 finement, in a large aviary in the possession of Mr. Thomas 

 Watters, and where there were as many as ten of these birds, 

 none were more amusing or attractive in their habits, so 

 much so that we might justly designate them the titmice of 

 their family, so varied their attitudes and powers of climbing. 



Possessing all the heedlessness, but none of the boldness 

 which distinguishes the tits, we have frequently remained 

 under a tree where an entire flock was feeding without oc- 

 casioning them the slightest alarm ; continuing their search 

 along the bough, and clinging to it in every conceivable atti- 

 tude, they approach within a few feet of whatever observer is 

 admiring them. 



The nest is an exceedingly small structure, and is placed 

 in the fork of some bush. The eggs resemble the bird in 

 being very neatly formed and small in size. 



Indigenous. 



SPECIES 76 THE MOUNTAIN LINNET, OR TWITE. 



Linaria flavirostres. Linn. 

 Gros-bec de Montague. Temm. 



OF our three Irish linnets this is the rarest in its occurrence, 

 and in Dublin and the surrounding counties is only occasion- 

 ally to be met with. Easily distinguished from the other 

 two species by the yellow colour of the bill, and its peculiar 

 call note of " twaite," it frequents the hillside and moun- 

 tain pastures. 



The only specimens of the twite coming under our own 

 notice are those obtained by the bird-fanciers in different 



