26 FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



are also dark brown, edged with white j and until after the 

 first moult this young bird is known as a grey Linnet. 

 The plumage of the adult female is very similar. Although 

 only partially migratory flocks of Linnets leave this country 

 in October, those remaining the winter generally become 

 gregarious, and may be found in large open fields feeding 

 upon whatever seeds may be found. In the stubble 

 fields they feed greatly upon the seeds of the wild mustard 

 or charlock (Sinapis arver^sis, Linnaeus) } known in Sussex as 

 " kilk." When disturbed Linnets rise in a flock, and, 

 unlike the rest of the Finch tribe, do not hasten to the 

 nearest tree, but continue in the open, contenting them- 

 selves by alighting in another part of the field. The 

 general food of the Linnet, however, consists of any seeds 

 that may fall in its way ; chickweed and dandelion being 

 its staple diet through the spring, and in summer to these is 

 added the seeds of rape, &c. 



During the month of March, small flocks and even 

 pairs of Linnets begin to arrive from " across the water ; " 

 the males with bright red breasts of different degrees of 

 intensity, some much brighter than the one depicted in the 

 plate, and varying down to lemon-colour. This is occasioned 

 by their shedding the brown tips of their feathers, and not 

 by a regular moult. The males remaining in this country 

 are also changing their plumage, and from this marked 

 difference originated the idea amongst amateurs that 

 the Hose Linnets (as they are then called) were of a separate 

 species to the grey Linnet. In autumn and winter, the 

 male plumage is of a richer brown and the white on 

 the wing extends to the quill, which is not so in the 

 female, whilst her back is a duller brown ; the breast 

 feathers of the male Linnet are horizontally edged 



