34^ 

 NEST AND EGGS OF THE TWITE. 



PLATE XXXIV. 



The Twite, like the rest of the Unnets, inhabits low 

 bushes and shrubs. The nest, which now lies before 

 me, was found in a shrubbery, on a low branch of the 

 * berry-hearing alder. 



The bottom or foundation of the nest is made of a 

 mixture of moss, hay, and stubble. These are brought 

 in plenty, and laid loose and flat. On this bottom the 

 sides and brim of the nest are formed entirely of roots, 

 the larger and stronger placed on the outside, the smaller 

 and finer within. They are warped and entangled to- 

 gether with muchl abour, but being of an hard woody 

 nature, they close so ill together, that the light shines 

 through every part of the nest. 



The lining consists of very fine roots, amongst which 

 a few black hairs are mixed. 



In this nest was six eggs, white, with a faint cast of 

 blue, marked with pale red spots, and brown zigzag 

 scratches, as figured on the plate ; by this mark alone 

 the eggs of the Twite are distinguished from those of 

 all the other linnets ; all the rest being marked with 

 spots only, these with spots and scratches. 



The Twite, like the rest of the linnets, feeds on the 

 seeds of plants, particularly those of the aggregate 

 downy flowers. In winter they assemble in flocks, 

 mixing with other small birds; and being caught, soon 

 become tame and familiar. 



* Rhamnus frangula. 



