Identifier: birdsEuropeIIIGoul (find matches)
Title: The birds of Europe
Year: 1837 (1830s)
Authors: Gould, John, 1804-1881
Subjects: Pictorial works Birds
Publisher: London, Printed by R. and J.E. Taylor, pub. by the author
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library

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uring somewinters it is so scarce as seldom to be taken, while at others it is so abundant that flocks of hundreds arefrequently seen. About the year 1829 it was particularly abundant and was taken in great quantities, butsince that period it has occurred in far less numbers, so much so that only one or two have been latterlytaken by any one person during the season. Whether this species is truly a native of Europe, or whetherthose which occur in our island are arrivals from the northern portions of the American continent, is amatter of doubt; true it is, that the specimens brought home by Dr. Richardson, which furnished thedescriptions given in the Fauna Boreali-Americana, are strictly identical with the bird before us. A furtherknowledge of this bird, and especially of the changes which it undergoes, will at a future period determinewhether the specific term of canescens must eventually stand or fall. The Plate represents an adult, taken in the month of October, of the natural size.
Text Appearing After Image:
JLESSEIR ME DFO LJLmaria minor; flfoou). -PrMwi/fhmJfal/j-c #ym„5l(»w tyj .■ . hf CMt&nwtndd;. ^ LESSER REDPOLE. Linaria minor, Ray.Le Gros-bec sizerin. The Lesser Redpole is a native of the northern portions of our island and all the higher latitudes of theadjacent continent; from these districts numbers migrate southwards on the approach of winter, spreadingthemselves over every part of England, and most of the southern districts of Europe. In habits and mannersit is gregarious, and is often found in the company of Linnets and Aberdevines. Its food consists almostexclusively of the seeds of various plants and shrubs, giving a decided preference to those of the alder, hazel,and willow; hence it resorts habitually to low and swampy situations, where its favourite food abounds. Inhabits and manners it is lively and active, and displays the greatest agility and address in picking out theseeds and buds of the smaller branches; nor is it less to be admired for its great docility

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