120 HANDBOOK OF BRITISH INLAND BIRDS 
MEALY REDPOLL. 
{Linota linaria.) 
Unlike the next species, the Mealy Redpoll is 
only a winter visitor from Northern Europe, 
appearing in varying numbers in the east of 
Scotland and the north-eastern parts of England, 
and less frequently in the southern and midland 
counties. It is very rarely seen in spring or 
summer, when it is engaged in nesting in 
Scandinavia, Northern Russia, and Siberia. A 
characteristic Linnet in build and general appear- 
ance, it is a little smaller than our common species 
just described. The red patch on the head, from 
which it is named, is only to be seen in the 
breeding season ; in winter, the body-plumage 
becomes strongly tinged with greyish-yellow ; and 
this pale or " mealy " tint is the most character- 
istic feature of the bird during its irregular winter 
sojourns in our country, when it passes its time in 
roving flocks and parties, often in company with 
one or two kindred species. 
LESSER REDPOLL. 
(^Linota rufescens.) 
The Lesser Redpoll is also most frequently seen 
in small flocks and parties in winter, but it is 
