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MEALY REDPOLL LINNET. 



4- LlNARIA BOREALIS, Temm. 



PLATE CLXXVIIL— Maxe. 



Whilst in Newfoundland, I procured four specimens of this curious bird, 

 all of which were shot while feeding on the berries of the summer apple. 

 It was in the month of August, and I well remember the pleasure I felt 

 when at the same moment several Indian boys approached and offered me 

 their waterproof bark baskets filled with those delightful berries equally 

 pleasing to my taste and that of the Mealy Redpoll. One of the birds 

 appeared to me to be an adult, but to have already changed its spring livery 

 for the plainer one exhibited in the Plate. The others were evidently 

 younger, as none of them shewed the least appearance on the forehead, 

 cheeks, breast or rump, of the red colour that existed on the same parts of 

 what perhaps was their parent. 



In their habits I could see no difference between them and the Common 

 Redpoll; but their notes, although in some degree similar, as is usually the 

 case in all birds of the same family, differed sufficiently to induce me to 

 believe that this mealy-coloured bird is quite distinct from the species above 

 mentioned, although very nearly allied to it. I wish it were in my power 

 to describe this difference of modulation, which seems to me still vibrating 

 in my ear; but I cannot, and therefore must be content with assuring you, 

 that the notes of the two birds are as nearly the same, and yet as distinct, as 

 those of the American Gold-finch and the European bird of the same name. 



Removing from one spot to another with the peculiar activity and capri- 

 ciousness of the Linnet family, they would fly from one portion to another 

 of the wild natural meadow on which I watched them nearly an hour before 

 I shot them, alight here and there, peck at the berries a few moments, and 

 suddenly, as if affrighted, rise, perform various wide and circling flights, in 

 deep undulations, and at once alighting repose for a short while. 



Like Titmice, and often with downward inclined head, they fed, chattered 

 to each other, and then resting for an instant plumed themselves. These 

 occupations they would have continued much longer had not the trigger of 

 my gun been touched at a favourable moment, on which I walked to the 

 spot and picked up the little flock, all of them having been killed at one 

 shot. 



