REDPOLE.
1.1.1NOS BEN-GOCH LEIAF, OF THE ANCIENT BRITISH.
LESSEE REDPOLE. LESSEE REDPOLE LINNET.
I.inaria minor, MACGILLIVKAV.
Fringilla Unarm, LINNJEUS. LATHAM.
Linaria, Linum—Flax. Minor—Lesser.
THE Lesser Redpole inhabits the north of Europe—Denmark, Norway,
Sweden, and even the gelid Spitsbergen, Kamtschatka, Iceland,
—and as far south as Italy. In North America also it is plentiful,
if indeed the species be the same; and, according to Tomminck, is
found in Asia, in Japan, and also Siberia.
It is a denizen of the three kingdoms, and is found in Orkney,
where a flock of about fifty were observed at \Vcstness in October,
1847. They sometimes join company with flights of the Siskin.
It is resident throughout the year in the north of England, Ireland,
and Scotland, but in the winter only, except in occasional instances,
is seen in the south. In ('ornwall it is rare; in Devonshire not
common. It occurs in Guernsey and Sark.
In that season they form large flocks, sometimes of thousands, and
frequent woods where birch and alder trees are found, and that
especially near streams, rivulets, and marshy places. They are gentle
and lively birds, and, unless scared, may be nearly approached: they
will even return to the same trees immediately after having been
fired at. They are very easily kept in confinement, and have been
known to breed in the aviary of W. Roger, Esq., of Uxbridge; and
one even to feed out of the hand. The female is very devoted to
her young. One has been taken off the nest with the hand, and
would not forsake it when released;
•.Sin.* could not bid the spot adieu:
ti was dear still 'midsl her woes,