Class IL LINNET FINCH. 463 



with white ; the two middle feathers excepted, 

 which are bordered with dull red. The fe- 

 males and young birds want the red spot on 

 the breast; in lieu of that, their breasts are 

 marked with short streaks of brown pointing 

 downwards; the females have also less white 

 in their wings. 



These birds are much esteemed for their 

 song; they feed on seeds of different kinds, 

 which they peel before they eat; the seed of 

 the linum or flax is their favorite food, from 

 whence the 1 name of the linnet tribe. 



They breed among furze and white thorn; 

 the outside of their nest is made with moss 

 and bents, and lined with wool and hair. 

 They lay five whitish eggs, spotted like those of 

 the goldfinch. 





: 



