134 THE BIRDS OF SUSSEX. 



LESSEE REDPOLL. 



Linota rufescens. 



This, the smallest Finch which visits us, is seldom met with 

 in the Weald, and I have but once seen it there. - Its habits 

 are similar to those of the Siskin, and, like that species, it 

 delights in the seed of the alder, in search of which they are 

 occasionally found in company. Although it has nested in 

 each of the adjoining counties, and I have myself received an 

 egg taken by the late Mr. Bury in the Isle of "Wight, I have 

 never heard of its having done so in this county in a truly 

 wild state. Mr. Booth has, however, mentioned that a few 

 nests werefound in elders andwillows, in 1869, near Brighton; 

 he supposes, from the worn and faded appearance of the birds, 

 that they had escaped from confinement. 



In the winter it i& often captured in very large numbers in 

 clap-nets, no bird responding more readily to the note of 

 the call-bird. At the time of immigration it has frequently 

 been taken in small traps on the roofs of the houses in 

 Brighton and Hastings. In confinement the red portion of 

 the head changes to yellow after the first moult. 



LINNET. 



Linota cannabina. 



Throughout the county, except- in the large woods, this 

 species is universally distributed. It is resident, and breeds 

 especially in furze-bushes, and in all our gardens and shrub- 

 beries, forming its nest of roots, and lining it with wool. It 



