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2 



The present form of Redpoll is but a somewhat doubtful species, and can only be regarded as 

 one still in the process of differentiation ; yet it is, I consider, sufficiently distinguishable to merit 

 specific rank. So far as I can judge from the series of Redpolls I have examined, it is a form of 

 Linota linaria breeding in the north-eastern portion of the Old World and presumably in some 

 at least of the Arctic portions of America, the great majority migrating southward during the 

 winter. In general appearance it closely resembles IAnota hornemanni, but is considerably 

 smaller in size, and has a constantly smaller bill. I have examined specimens from North 

 America, Northern Scandinavia, North Russia, and Siberia ; and, so far as I can ascertain, these 

 are the countries inhabited by this bird. It does not occur in Great Britain, and does not 

 appear to have been obtained in France, Germany, or in Central or Southern Europe ; but in the 

 series of Redpolls sent to me for examination I find two specimens from Tromso (in Northern 

 Norway), two from Muonioniska (in Lapland — where it appears to be an autumnal visitant from 

 the eastward, as are so many other species in that locality) ; and amongst the birds collected on 

 the Petchora, in Northern Russia, are numbers of the present species ; but I do not find any 

 amongst the Redpolls collected near Archangel, where, however, it doubtless occurs. Messrs. 

 Seebohm and Harvie-Brown inform me that the present species and Linota linaria were amongst 

 the first birds which arrived in the spring, and remained in the town of Ust Zylma in flocks up 

 to the second week in May, and then dispersed to their breeding-quarters. They were met with 

 as far north as Stanavoialachta. 



The specimens obtained by Von Middendorff on the Boganida are certainly, judging from 

 his description, referable to the present species ; Dr. Radde obtained it at Irkutsk in October ; 

 and Von Schrenck met with it on the Amoor. It is, however, rather difficult to define its range 

 in Siberia, as all three of these travellers unite it with Linota linaria ; but they state that they 

 observed two forms, one of which was undoubtedly the present species. I may add that I possess 

 one from Darasun, in Dauria, in full winter dress; but it does not appear to range as far, as 

 North China and Japan. Dr. Severtzoff, when he examined my Redpolls, remarked, on seeing 

 the specimen from Darasun, that he had called this species jEgiotkus sibiricus ; but he does not 

 appear to have published this name anywhere ; and if he had done so it would only figure as a 

 synonym, being subsequent to the publication of Dr. Coues's description. 



In North America Linota exilipes appears to be restricted to the more boreal regions ; but I 

 find but meagre data to define its precise range, as it has very generally been confused with 

 Linota linaria. 



In habits it does not differ from Linota linaria: and doubtless its nest and eggs closely 

 resemble those of that species; but I have been unable to obtaiu authentic specimens for 

 examination and description. 



The specimen figured, on the same Plate with Linota hornemanni, is an adult male obtained 

 on the Petchora in April, for which I am indebted to Mr. H. Seebohm. 



In the preparation of the above article I have examined the following specimens : — 



