ing a very consider-tble variation of colours in different in- 
dividuals, the bird commonly known as the brown or grey 
Linnet, in the spring becomes the greater red-headed Linnet 
or Redpole ; at this period of the year the breast often be- 
comes of a bright rosy hue, and the forehead of the same 
colour, only deeper ; these colours are not attained until 
the second year. 
Leno-th five inches and a half, breadth ten inches. Bill 
short, pointed, of a bluish ash colour in the spring, becom- 
ing brown at the fall of the year; irides dark; legs slender, 
blackish ; tail slightly forked. The female is somewhat 
larger and has a few dusky streaks on the breast in lieu of 
the rosy tint, and has but little white on the wings. 
This well known bird is abundantly met with in all parts 
of Great Britain, associating in small flocks during the 
winter. It usually builds in low bushes or hedges, and 
composes its nest of moss, dry grass and small fibres, lined 
with hair and wool ; its eggs are of a dirty white hue with 
purplish brown spots and streaks. 
Its note is lively but not loud, and of but short continu- 
ance ; during the time the female is incubating, the song of 
the male is extremely pleasing ; as soon as the young are 
hatched it becomes mute, and remains silent until the fall of 
the year, when its song is very softly uttered. It makes but 
short flights, and is continually uttering its call while ob 
wing. 
