30 



NEST AND EGGS OF THE GREATER 

 RED-HEADED LINNET. 



PLATE XXX. 



These birds, like the common Hnnet, inhabit steep, 

 rocky, and barren grounds, where is plenty of heath, 

 furze, broom, and such like small bushes. 



They build their nest near the ground, forming the 

 outside of various kinds of moss, hay, and stalks of 

 dried plants, adding some stout fibres of roots to 

 strengthen the work. These materials are brought in 

 plenty, and firmly platted together. 



The lining is a thick coat, made of the down gathered 

 from the catkins of the female willow-tree. In the nest 

 I now describe, I find many seeds still adhering to the 

 down. The whole is neatly made and finished. 



In the nest were six eggs of a blue -green colour, 

 spotted with purple spots. 



The song of the Red-headed Linnet is mean, but his 

 beauty entitles him to a place in the esteem of those 

 who are fond of pretty little birds. 



In winter they are gregarious, assembling in flocks, 

 sometimes mixing with the common linnet, goldfinch, 

 Sec. 



Their food is seeds and grain, particularly the seeds 

 of ragwort, and the various species of thistles. 



