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 BIRDS 56. Goldfinch. Carduelis eiegans, Stephens. Though much less abundant in the county than formerly the goldfinch is found breeding in many places. In the end of autumn or early in winter its numbers are increased by the arrival of companies varying in number from five or six to twenty or thirty. At that time the seeds of thistles, teasels and burdocks constitute its chief food, but in midwinter the alder and ash trees are visited and their seeds consumed. It is only how- ever the germ of the seed of the ash which is picked out and eaten. In the north side of the county, that is in the Birmingham dis- trict, Mr. Chase, writing in 1886, reports the goldfinch as scarce. 57. Siskin. Carduelis spinus (Linn.) The appearance of the siskin as a winter visitor to Warwickshire depends almost wholly on the presence or the absence of alder trees, though whole seasons pass without its being seen even when trees of that kind thickly fringe the streams. In some winters the sis- kin has appeared in very considerable num- bers in the immediate vicinity of the town of Warwick and also in the alder trees around the large fishponds at Coughton Court near Alcester and probably at other localities. 58. House-Sparrow. Passer domesticus (Linn.) Abundant everywhere. 59. Tree-Sparrow. Passer montanus (Linn.) Much less abundant than the house-sparrow and very seldom seen in the close vicinity of houses. The nest however is sometimes in the thatch of an old building but generally outside, as for instance under the eaves. Pol- lard withy trees remote from all dwellings are favourite places for the nest of this species. 60. Chaffinch. Fringilla coelebs, Linn. This pretty and lively little bird is a very torment at certain seasons to the growers of cruciferas, more especially radishes, and it seems to have a sort of intuitive knowledge of the places where the seeds have been sown even before the young plants make their appearance. As soon however as they show themselves they are pulled up and a part eaten ; the ground is sometimes literally strewn with the long white underground stems. 61. Brambling. Fringilla montifringilla, Linn. An uncertain winter visitor which some- times appears in considerable numbers in most parts of the county and mixes with flights of finches in weedy stubbles, amongst which they are conspicuous from their white rumps. Occasionally they approach farmsteads and feed on the seeds which have been winnowed from the corn and thrown out. 62. Linnet. Linota cannabina (Linn.) The linnet is one of those birds which is as numerous as ever. A weedy stubble in the autumn where there is plenty of scattered charlock seed is a certain attraction and will bring an abundance of linnets. Any thick bush or hedge is suitable for a nesting-place, though a gorse bush is preferred. 63. Lesser Redpoll. Linota rufescens (Vieillot) As a Warwickshire bird this has always been regarded by the present writer as a win- ter visitor, frequenting the alder trees by the sides of the streams and feeding on their seeds and also on those of the willow herb. Once only has a nest been noted. It was in the leafy branch of a plum tree in a garden at Alcester. However, in the northern part of the county it has probably nested more fre- quently, and Mr. Chase speaks of it as common and resident in the Birmingham dis- trict. 64. Twite. Linota flavirostns (Linn.) A rare winter straggler, occasionally appear- ing in severe weather and making its presence known by its peculiar and monotonous note. 65. Bullfinch. Pyrrhula europtea, Vieillot. The bullfinch though a common resident is not abundant. Of a shy and retiring nature it is not however a wild or wary bird, but may be approached quite nearly when feeding on the buds of fruit trees or on the long seeds of the ash. 66. Crossbill. Loxia curvirostra, Linn. A winter visitor of very uncertain appear- ance, but sometimes arriving as early as August. In 1845 a considerable number made their appearance at Claverdon, and several were shot and brought to J. Spicer of War- wick for preservation. All were red birds. Crossbills have been shot at various times in the park at Warwick Castle, which also have come into the hands of the same bird preserver. On 14 November, 1855, a flight of these birds alighted in a coppice of conifers at Little Alne near Alcester, several of which were shot and brought to the present writer. They were of all colours, from red to a dingy green. In the Birmingham district the crossbill has occurred at Solihull, Wylde Green and Aston Park as recorded by Mr. Chase. 195