in appearance, but smaller than those of the Common Linnet ; and Mr. Diinn, that the “ Heather-Lintee,” as 
it is there called, is, so far as he was aware, the only Linnet that breeds there. He adds that it is very 
generally dispersed, and that he had repeatedly taken its nest from shaded situations among long heath. In 
winter it appears in large flocks, frequently in company with Sparrows and Snow-Buntings, and then infests 
the corn -yards. 
Mr. Thompson informs us that in the heath-clad mountains of the more northern parts of Ireland the 
Twite breeds annually. “ In the north of Ireland it is distinguished from the other Linnets by the name of 
' Heather-grey ’ These birds may be seen every winter in large flocks about Clough, in the county of 
Antrim, where they chiefly frequent the stubble-fields in the neighbourhood of the mountains. They are 
said to be common about Armagh in winter. I have had specimens from the county of Fermanagh ; they 
have been obtained in Kerry, and have been shot in the middle of February, in company with the Grey 
Linnet, on an Island in Wexford harbour, where they seemed partial to the vicinity of high-water mark, and 
had taken up their quarters among the grassy^ banks. In the north they frequently resort to the sea-side in 
Avinter, and associate with the Grey Linnet. The nests, which have been frequently found on the top of the 
Knockagh Mountain, near Carrickfergus, were generally placed in the heath, but in some instances were 
built near to the ground, in dwarfed whins growing among the heath.” Mr. Thompson mentions several 
other localities, and adds that “ it is common and breeds in the counties of Cork and Tipperary.” 
In autumn and spring vast flocks often frequent the fields of cole-seed in the fens of Cambridgeshire and 
the Isle of Ely. 
In winter especially the Twite closely resembles the Common Linnet in plumage, but may be readily 
distinguished hy its yellowish-red throat, devoid of dark streaks, and by the yellow colouring of the bill. 
The Plate represents the two sexes, of the natural size, on the floAvering ling (Calluna vulgaris, Salisb.). 
