The Redpoll. 



49 



being grey, with a faint tinge of pale yellow, only 

 observable on close and careful examination. 



Song. — These birds are not held in any estimation what- 

 ever as singers, as their song is very circumscribed, and may 

 be termed a mere chatter ; but it is not at all unpleasant 

 to the ear. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — The principal points 

 are the poll (crown of head), breast, and rump ; the 

 brighter and more intense the red, bordering on crimson, 

 the better ; the brown colours should be clear and bright ; 

 the belly white ; a nice green sheen at back of head ; feathers 

 close and compact ; bird steady on perch, active, and full of 

 vivacity ; no broken feathers or damaged claws, good condi- 

 tion, and clean. Whenever Redpolls are selected for exhibi- 

 tion, they should always be in full mature colour ; hence, 

 house-moulted birds are useless for this purpose. It is very 

 rare that these birds receive a prize, even under the most 

 favourable circumstances, when shown in a mixed class of 

 Goldfinches, Bullfinches, Mountain Finches, Buntings, &c. 



General Remarks. — Redpolls are great favourites with 

 ladies and children, as they are very sociable and tractable, 

 and are, perhaps, more easily taught to draw water, pull a 

 little waggon, ring a miniature bell, fire a toy cannon, 

 feed from the hand or mouth, come and go at command, 

 feign death, and a variety of other amusing feats, than any 

 other birds. They are best kept in similar cages to those re- 

 commended for Goldfinches, in Chapter III., on Aviaries and 

 Cages." 



Diseases and their Treatment. — Redpolls are liable to the 

 same diseases as their kindred species, the Linnets, and require 

 the same treatment. The moult is, perhaps, the chief 

 ailment from which they suffer, and during this period of 

 their existence the same precautionary measures should be 

 taken as recommended for the Siskin, as their habits and 

 mode of living greatly resemble each other. 



They are very liable to sore feet, which, when neglected, 

 ulcerate and canker, and the toes come off. To prevent 

 this, their feet should be frequently bathed in about half 

 a pint of warm water, in which a teaspoonful of salt has 

 been previously dissolved ; the feet should be immersed for 

 five or seven minutes, then dried with a soft rag, and 



