SISKIN. 
id:) 
Blackbirds (ternales, 2 ; males, 2), . . . I 
Chatlinclies (males, 9; females, 2), . . . II 
Brambliiigs (male, 1 ; females ami young, D, • • ^ 
Sparrows (males, 4; females and young, 14), . . 18 
Greenfinches (males, 6 ; females and young, 36), . 42 
Mountain linnets, ..... 29 
109 
In justice to myself, T should observe that only four of these 
were “ retained.” 
Ohs. — In the marginal notes to his published list Thomas 
Edmondston remarks that the hawfinch was inserted upon 
hearsay evidence only, and that he added the name of the 
goldfinch simply because a friend, hearing the note of some 
other bird, mistook it for that of the goldfinch, assuring 
him that the latter species was almost common in Bressay.” 
Upon inquiry, I cannot ascertain that the goldfinch has 
either been seen or heard of there, or indeed in any part of 
Shetland. 
THE SISKIN. 
Cardnelis spinus. 
This does not occur either in the last-named list, or in 
Messrs Baikie and Heddle’s catalogue of the birds of Orkney. 
It is a very scarce winter visitor to Shetland, making its appear- 
ance sometimes in small flocks, but more frequently in twos or 
threes. Once a single specimen was seen and shot upon the 
pier at Buness. I have never observed more than a dozen at 
one time. In their habits the Siskins much resemble titmice, 
displaying the same absurd antics and keeping up a constant 
chirping while feeding. Although familiar enough at first, 
they became very wild after having been once fired at. Their 
chief food seems to consist of the aphides which infest the 
sycamore. 
Ohs . — Although the linnet {Linota cannahina) is mentioned 
in most Shetland lists as common — sometimes as breeding — I 
cannot hear of a single instance in which the bird has ever 
been seen in any one of the islands. When Shetlanders speak 
