THE TWITE. 

 Linota flavirostris (Linnseus). 

 Plate 17. 



Compared with the Lesser Redpoll in breeding plumage the Twite is a much 

 more sober-coloured bird, having none of the crimson tints on the head and breast, 

 and at all times may be distinguished by its more lengthened tail and proportionally 

 slimmer form. 



The Twite, sometimes called the Mountain-Linnet, is an autumnal visitor to 

 the southern parts of England, though resident and breeding in the northern 

 counties ; whilst in Scotland and Ireland it is more or less common. Abroad it 

 breeds in Scandinavia, and on migration occurs in many parts of Europe. 



The Twite usually builds its nest either on the ground or close to it, and in its 

 construction uses as material fine roots and grass-stalks, lining it with wool, 

 feathers, thistle-down, and hair. The four to six eggs are pale greenish-blue, 

 marked and streaked with reddish-brown. 



Its food usually consists of seeds of various kinds, and its twittering call-note 

 may be frequently heard as it flits among the grass and heather on moors and 

 rocky hillsides. 



Macgillivray says : " In the Hebrides it is plentiful and in winter frequents the 

 corn-yards in large flocks, clinging to the stacks of oats, and picking out the seeds. 

 . . . Its flight is rapid and undulated, and it wheels over the fields previous to 

 alighting, uttering a soft twitter at intervals." 



The female resembles the male in colour, but has none of the carmine tint on 

 the rump. 



"5 



