Birds. 1313 



vouch, that both this species and the bullfinch are polygamous, to the 

 extent of three or four females to one male. 



Siskin, Carduelis spin us. The siskin appears in Norfolk in con- 

 siderable numbers on its way to the southward towards the end of au- 

 tumn, and it also occurs on its return to the north about the end of 

 January. 



At page 1075 of the ' Zoologist,' is a notice by Mr. John Smith of 

 Yarmouth, to whom we are indebted for much valuable information re- 

 lative to the birds of Norfolk, of the nesting of this species in 

 confinement. 



Common Linnet, Linota cannabina. Common throughout the year, 

 breeds with us. 



Mealy Redpole, Linota canescens. An occasional winter visitant, 

 especially in severe seasons. 



Lesser Redpole, Linota linaria. This is a regular and numerous 

 winter visitant in Norfolk, and a few pair generally remain and breed 

 in the county. 



Twite, Linota montium. An occasional migratory visitant, passing 

 northward in spring, and southward in autumn. 



Bullfinch, Pyrrhula vulgaris. Is found in Norfolk throughout the 

 year, and breeds with us. Its numbers vary considerably, but gene- 

 rally speaking, it is not a numerous species, except in a few particu- 

 lar localities. 



Pine Grosbeak, Pyrrhula enucleator. The pine grosbeak has only 

 occurred in Norfolk as a very rare and occasional visitant.* A flight of 

 these birds was observed on Yarmouth Denes in November, 1822, and 

 two instances are on record of their having attempted to breed in this 

 district. In one of these cases, the nest containing four eggs was taken 

 near Bungay ; and is said to have been found on a low branch of a 

 fir, near the stem of the tree, and about three feet from the ground. In 

 the other instance, which occurred at Raveningham, the old birds were 

 shot while in the act of building. 



Common Crossbill, Loxia curvirostra. This bird is an occasional 

 migrant to Norfolk, generally appearing in winter, and sometimes in 

 rather considerable numbers. It often continues with us during the 

 earlier part of the spring, and there is reason to think, that when this 

 is the case, a few remain in this district for the purpose of nesting, two 

 instances of which are recorded in Messrs. Sheppard and Whitear's 

 ' Catalogue of Norfolk and Suffolk Birds.' 



White-winged Crossbill, Loxia leucoptera. We believe that this 

 species has not been observed in Norfolk, but a specimen was killed in 

 iv 4 z 



