LINNET. 
297 
that of the other sex rather less. The plumage of the female is more 
dusky brown ; the coverts of the wings rufous-brown ; sides of the 
throat plain dirty white, the middle part streaked; breast and sides 
pale brown, with dusky streaks ; quills and tail like the other sex, but 
the former not so deeply margined with white, and of course no per- 
ceptible bar on the wing. 
These birds fly in flocks during winter, at which time the males 
have little or none of the red markings which, in the return of spring, 
they put forth. 
* Selby informs us, that he repeatedly verified the fact of its never ac- 
quiring under confinement, those brilliant tints which distinguish it at a 
particular period of the year when in a state of liberty. “ I will adduce,” 
says he, an instance strikingly to the point. For some particular 
purpose of observation, a Linnet was shot towards the close of summer, 
when the plumage shewed its most perfect nuptial tint, and happening 
to be only winged, it was put into a cage. It soon became familiarised 
to its situation, and still continues so. About the usual time in the 
autumn of that year, it moulted, and acquired the winter dress of the 
common Linnet, which it has retained ever since, without displaying at 
the accustomed season, any of the brilliant red that adorned it in the 
wild state.” In this he is supported by the authority of Bechstein, who 
says that young birds bred in the cage never acquire this crimson- 
colour on the head and breast, and that old birds at the first moulting 
after their captivity, lose their beautiful colours, which never return. 
This Linnet is very common throughout Britain, extending as far as 
the Orkneys, where it is abundant. During the summer it resorts to 
waste land and commons, in the upper parts of the country, where it 
breeds. Furzy commons seem to be the favorite resorts of these birds 
during that season ; the bushy furze being admirably adapted to conceal 
the nest from the prying eye, and sometimes a quickset or gooseberry- 
bush answers the purpose. The nest is composed of moss woven with 
wool, and lined with wool and hair, very neatly put together ; the eggs 
are four in number, of a bluish white, with a few purplish specks and 
short lines ; their weight from twenty-four to thirty grains. In the 
month of April they pair, and commence building their nest, and in 
May the first broods are hatched ; but if the nest should be destroyed, 
they will build another as late as the month of August, appearing dis- 
satisfied until the object of their visit is accomplished. During the time 
of nidification, and until the young are hatched, the song of the Lin- 
net, although short, possesses much sweetness. “ At once brilliant and 
soft,” says Bechstein, the song of “the Linnet consists of many irregular 
