Conirostres. 
L FIUNGILLID^E. 
THE CHAFFINCH. 
Fringilla mlehs. 
The Chaffinch, which in 1844 (when the gardens at Balta 
Sound were but newly planted) was mentioned by Thomas 
Edmondston as “ a winter visitant, but rare,” is now plentiful 
every winter, wherever there are gardens to attract it. Early 
in November, sometimes in September and October, flocks of 
considerable size arrive, mingling with such other birds of 
similar habits as may happen to be in the neighbourhood ; then, 
soon scattering, the greater number gradually disappear. They 
usually arrive with an easterly wind. The number of females 
is very small in comparison with that of males, but I have 
observed both sexes at all times of the year, except in the 
months of May, June, and July, when the few Chaffinches 
which are occasionally seen are invariably males. 
THE BKAMBLING, ok MOUNTAIN FINCH. 
Fringilla inontifringilla. 
This handsome bird, though now occurring in many parts of 
Shetland, was unrecognised until the autumn of 1860, when I 
observed a few males in the garden at Halligarth. Since that 
time it has gradually become more frequent, arriving with 
chaffinches in considerable numbers, but, unlike them, remain- 
ing only a short time, as if for the purpose of resting before 
proceeding on the journey southwards. It reappears in March 
and April, the plumage at that season having a very faded and 
dingy appearance, although the assumption of the breeding 
dress has already commenced. I have caught them with a 
lantern, and attempted to cage them ; but seldom kept them 
G 
