THE LINNET. 

 Linota cannabina (Linnaeus). 

 Plate i6. 



The Linnet is a common and well-known bird in the British Islands, and 

 may be observed in most parts of the country where there are large furze-covered 

 commons and waste lands. After the breeding season a good many of our 

 birds move southwards and cross the Channel. 



It has a wide range in Europe, Asia Minor, and Asia. 



The nest is usually placed in a thick furze-bush, sometimes in a hedge of yew 

 or other evergreens in gardens, and is made of grass-stalks, wool, and moss, lined 

 with hair. It contains from four to six eggs, in ground colour bluish-white, with 

 blotches, spots, and streaks of ruddy-brown and purplish-grey. 



The Linnet has a pleasing modulated song, and a rather plaintive call-note. 



The food consists of various seeds and berries. 



Although this bird is known as the Red, Grey, or Brown Linnet, these different 

 names refer to one and the same species, and it is difficult to say why so much 

 variety of colour should occur. In autumn the crimson on the breast and head 

 of the brightly-coloured males almost disappears, whilst the female has none of 

 that colour in her plumage at any time of the year. 



