Talbot : The Birds of Wakefield. 



123 



observations of its predatory habits I believe the complaint to be 

 well-founded. It is a very quarrelsome bird when placed in 

 confinement with other species. 



Hawfinch [CoccotTir amies vulgaris) — 



The nest of this bird has twice been found an this district. I 

 have in my possession two eggs which I took from a nest in an 

 orchard at Hickleton, on the 17th June, 1853. Mr. Dickson, of 

 Thornes, has two young birds, taken last July at Bretton. On 

 several occasions in previous years he has had not only the birds 

 but the nests and eggs described to him by persons resident at 

 Woolley and Bretton, and he is consequently of opinion that they 

 breed regularly in those places. On the 19th December, 1874, 

 Mr. Wainwright, of Horbury, caught a hawfinch in a snare 

 which had been set for the capture of redwings ; and on the 17th 

 January, 1875, two were shot near Woolley. 



Goldfinch {Carduelis elegans) — 



This pretty bird breeds sparingly in this district, although in 

 winter they are plentiful, and may be readily met with on the 

 railway and canal embankments, where the bird-fanciers find no 

 difficulty in capturing them. I have found its nest at Nostell, 

 Bilham, Hickleton, and Woolley. 



Siskin (Carduelus spinus) — 



Is an occasional visitor. On the 17th January, 1872, a female 

 was brought to me which had been killed in Park-lane, by a boy 

 with a catapult. On the 5th December, 1875, I had the oppor- 

 tunity of watching three searching for food among the ash and 

 alder trees in Lupset Park, putting themselves, like little 

 mountebanks, through all kinds of grotesque postures. 



Linnet {Linota canndbind) — 



I have found breeding in the gorse at Heath Common, Sharlston 

 and Eyhill. I have two perfectly white eggs found at the latter 

 place. 



Lesser Kedpole {Linota linaria) — 



Breeds plentifully about Wakefield. When in confinement it 

 can easily be taught to do several little tricks. 



Mountain Linnet {Linota montiuvi) — 



In December, 1856, I visited a friend at Netherton Farm, and 

 he showed me a number of small birds he had shot in the stack 



