570 FRINGILLID &. 
the year. There is, however, a tinge of red on the rump of 
the male in summer, and in the general character of the 
plumage of both sexes there is considerable similarity to 
that of the other species of the genus. ‘This bird is a 
winter visitor only to the southern parts of England, where 
it is generally seen in small flocks, with other Linnets; but 
it breeds in the northern parts of England, in Scotland, 
and in the western as well as the northern Scottish Islands 
every season. 
The Mountain Linnet, as its name would imply, prefers 
high hills and mountains, or, at least, an interchange of 
moor and fell. Dr. Latham sent Colonel Montagu a nest 
and eggs taken in Yorkshire; and according to Mr. 
Neville Wood, this bird breeds also in some parts of Staf- 
fordshire and in Derbyshire, exhibiting its partiality to the 
higher grounds. This is probably about the southern limit 
of its breeding ground in this country. 
Mr. Thompson says it is not uncommon in certain locali- 
ties in Ireland. Mr. Macgillivray states that it “is plenti- 
ful in the Hebrides, and in winter frequents the corn-yards 
in large flocks, clinging to the stacks of oats, and picking 
out the seeds. Its flight is rapid and undulated, and it 
wheels over the fields previous to alighting, uttering a soft 
twitter at intervals. When disturbed it betakes itself to tall 
trees, or to a distant field ; but is not shy, and may therefore 
be easily approached when feeding. In spring it forsakes 
its winter haunts, and disperses over the hilly tracks, where 
it forms its nest on the ground, among short heath, or on 
the grassy slopes of craggy spots. It is neatly constructed, 
being composed externally of fine dry grass, fragments of 
heath, and a little moss, internally of fibrous roots, wool, 
and hair. The eggs are bluish white, marked towards the 
larger end with light brown and purplish red, sometimes 
with a few blackish dots.” 
