The song of this bird consists of several lively strains, which succeed each other with great harmony, in a sweet and soft tone. It can also be taught tunes by whistling them to it, like the Bullfinch, and will imitate the notes of other birds; and is much prized in its native country, as a cage bird. As is the case with a good many of our American birds, the Gray Linnet does not arrive at maturity, either in its song or plumage, until it is at least three years old, which has led some to suppose that the same birds in different stages of plumage were distinct species.

In my youth I kept a great many of these birds; and from observations made since on them, I am satisfied that the Gray Linnet, the Rose Linnet, or Greater Redpole, the Mountain Linnet, or Twite, are the selfsame bird, and not distinct species. There are, first, the year old bird, or more, the Gray Linnet, (gray.) Second, the Rose Linnet, or greater Redpole, (top of the head and breast red,) two years old, or more. Third, the Mountain Linnet, or Twite, (the red changed to yellow,) three years old or more.

The following are some of the reasons which have led me to the above conclusion, although I am aware that it conflicts with some high authorities on this subject. The eggs of the three are alike; the nests, likewise, if the same material can be procured by the birds. The location is, in general, the same. The nest of the Gray Linnet, and the Mountain Linnet, have both been found in a furze bush. The song is the same, only the Mountain, or Yellow Linnet is superior. It is the oldest bird, therefore the best songster.

Food

Feed them on a mixture of Canary and rape seed, half of each, with occasionally a little hemp. They take but little exercise in the cage, therefore must be fed sparingly. Plenty of gravel, and water to wash, and lettuce, or cabbage freely.

Characteristics Of The Sexes

The male has the primaries, or longest feathers of the wings, white on the widest side of the feather, also white feathers in the tail. The female is smaller in size, and the wing-feathers are only slightly tipped with white; the same on the tail.

Location

Found throughout Europe - Resident.