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MEALY REDPOLL LINNET. 
* Linaria borealis, Temm. 
PLATE CLXXVIIL— Male. 
Whilst in Newfoundland, I procured four specimens of this curious bird, 
all of which were shot while feeding on the berries of the summer apple. 
It was in the month of August, and I well remember the pleasure I felt 
when at the same moment several Indian boys approached and offered me 
their waterproof bark baskets filled with those delightful berries equally 
pleasing to my taste and that of the Mealy Redpoll. One of the birds 
appeared to me to be an adult, but to have already changed its spring livery 
for the plainer one exhibited in the Plate. The others were evidently 
younger, as none of them showed the least appearance on the forehead, 
cheeks, breast or rump, of the red colour that existed on the same parts of 
what perhaps was their parent. 
In their habits I could see no difference between them and the Common 
Redpoll; but their notes, although in some degree similar, as is usually the 
case in all birds of the same family, differed sufficiently to induce me to 
believe that this mealy-coloured bird is quite distinct from the species above 
mentioned, although very nearly allied to it. I wish it were in my power 
to describe this difference of modulation, which seems to me still vibrating 
in my ear ; but I cannot, and therefore must be content with assuring you 
that the notes of the two birds are as nearly the same, and yet as distinct, as 
those of the American Gold-finch and the European bird of the same name. 
Removing from one spot to another with the peculiar activity and capri- 
ciousness of the Linnet family, they would fly from one portion to another 
of the wild natural meadow on which I watched them nearly an hour before 
I shot them, alight here and there, peck at the berries a few moments, and 
suddenly, as if affrighted, rise, perform various wide and circling flights, in 
deep undulations, and at once alighting repose for a short while. 
Like Titmice, and often with downward inclined head, they fed, chat- 
tered to each other, and then resting for an instant plumed themselves. 
These occupations they would have continued much longer had not the 
trigger of my gun been touched at a favourable moment, on which I walked 
to the spot and picked up the little flock, all of them having been killed at 
one shot. 
