The MOUNTAIN or GREY LINNET (_Cannabina montium_) in many northern
countries seems to take the place of the species just described. Its
length is four and three-quarter inches, and the span of its wings eight
and a quarter inches. The plumage on the back is of a blackish brown,
the feathers being edged with rust colour, the rump is red, the breast
of a rusty yellowish grey striped with brown, and the remainder of the
lower part of the body white. This bird is always to be met with in the
northern parts of Scotland, also in Norway, Lapland, Russia, and Siberia;
it inhabits mountain regions where stunted shrubs and low Alpine plants
sprout from between the rocks. In its habits it resembles its congeners,
but is perhaps of a somewhat livelier and more cautious disposition. Its
voice reminds us of the notes of the Siskin and Red Linnet, and though
its song can scarcely be called beautiful, it has something so spirited
and cheerful in its tones that the inhabitants of such northern countries
as are not much frequented by Finches take great pleasure in listening to
its strains. In captivity the habits of the Grey Linnet are the same as
those of others of its race, and it soon becomes accustomed to a cage.
The food of this little chorister consists of seeds. The Mountain Linnet
is frequently found in the southern parts of Sweden; it is said to be
rare in Scotland though common in England, and is frequently caught in
the vicinity of London. Solitary birds of this species are often met with
in Germany; and during very severe winters they will even wander as far
as Southern Switzerland, Northern Italy, or the south of France.
* * * * *
Many small Finches, distinguished for their long and slender beaks, were
formerly classed under the general name of Siskins, but have lately been
arranged in separate groups with more or less reference to the colour of
their plumage.