34 
LESSER REDPOLL. 
Philadelphia. They seem particularly fond of the seeds of 
the common alder, and hang-, head downwards, while feeding, 
in the manner of the Yellow Bird. They seem extremely 
unsuspicious at such times, and will allow a very near approach 
without betraying any symptoms of alarm. 
The specimen represented in the plate w r as shot, with 
several others of both sexes, in Seneca county, between the 
Seneca and Cayuga lakes. Some individuals were occasionally 
heard to chant a few interrupted notes, but no satisfactory 
account can be given of their pow r ers of song. 
This species extends throughout the whole northern parts 
of Europe, is likewise found in the remote wilds of Russia, 
was seen by Steller in Kamtschatka, and probably inhabits 
corresponding climates round the whole habitable parts of the 
northern hemisphere. In the Highlands of Scotland they are 
common, building often on the tops of the heath, sometimes 
in a low furze bush, like the common Linnet, and sometimes 
on the ground. The nest is formed of light stalks of dried 
grass, intermixed with tufts of wool, and warmly lined with 
feathers. The eggs are usually four, white, sprinkled with 
specks of reddish.* 
* I have not been able to procure American specimens of this bird, but 
comparing the description of Wilson and of Ord, there seems little doubt of their 
identity. Wilson is certainly confounding the Mountain Linnet (Z. montium,) 
when he says, “ In the Highlands of Scotland they are common, building 
often on the tops of the heath, sometimes in a low furze bush, like the common 
Linnet, and sometimes on the ground.” This is exactly the habit of the 
Mountain Linnet, and Mr Ord is wrong in saying the young possess the 
crimson head ; I have many in my possession without it, and have shot them 
at all seasons ; they receive that mark at the commencement of the first 
breeding season, when the adult birds also receive an addition of plumage and 
lustre. They seem very fond of the beech, as well as of the birch and alder, 
and appear to find insects in the husks of the old mast, which they are con- 
stantly picking and looking into. I have found their nests also pretty frequently 
in a young fir plantation : it was in a low situation, but they were invariably 
lined with the wool of willow catkins. I shall here add Mr Selby’s correct 
description of the manners of this species, which are in every way confirmed 
by my own observations. “ It is only known in the southern parts of Britain as a 
