A HISTORY OF STAFFORDSHIRE arrival this bird proceeds to build its nest in creepers or shrubs trained against walls, or on beams or even door-hinges, seeming to prefer the vicinity of human dwellings. 49. Swallow. Hirundo rustica, Linn. A common summer migrant, arriving according to F. B. Whitlock by the Trent valley migration route. Several instances of white or cream-coloured varieties are recorded in the Birds of Staffordshire, p. 64. In 1887 many were killed by a sudden fall of tempera- ture in May (Report North Staffs Field Club), and the same thing appears to have taken place on 31 May 1855 (Nat. Hist, of Tutbury, p. 50). 50. House-Martin. Chelidon urbica (Linn.) A common summer migrant, but decreasing in numbers owing chiefly to the persecution to which they are subjected by the house sparrow, which destroys both eggs and young, evicting the rightful owners from their nests. The latest date recorded for the stay of this species with us is 7 November 1891, on which date three were seen at Cheadle (Birds of Staffordshire, p. 65). 51. Sand-Martin. Cotile riparia (Linn.) Locally, Bank Swallow. A common summer visitor, but rather local, varying in numbers according to the accom- modation afforded by gravel and sandpits, river banks and railway cuttings for nesting pur- poses. 52. Greenfinch. Ligurinus Moris (Linn.) Locally, Green Linnet. Resident and abundant throughout the county, flocking in winter, and frequenting fields and stackyards. 53. Hawfinch. Coccothraustes vulgaris, Pallas. Although formerly regarded as a rare winter visitor, the hawfinch has established itself of recent years as a breeding species and now nests regularly in woods and orchards in many parts of the county. Mr. E. Brown (Fauna of Burton, p. 100) seems to have been the first to suspect that it bred with us (1863). At the present time it may be said to be abundant in the Cheadle and Stone districts, and breeds in fair numbers round Eccleshall and Abbots Bromley. In the autumn small flocks frequent gardens and feed on peas, cherries, yew, hawthorn and holly berries. 54. Goldfinch. Carduelis elegans, Stephens. Locally, Seven-coloured Linnet, Red Linnet. A partial migrant formerly abundant but becoming rarer every year. It still breeds in a few localities and is not uncommon in the damson orchards of the Dove valley. Flocks appear occasionally in the north of the county during the winter. The seeds of thistles form the principal food of this bird, and its wholesale capture is a serious injury to farmers. 55. Siskin. Carduelis spinus (Linn.) A local winter visitor appearing in flocks which feed on the seeds of the alder (Alnus glutinosa]. Large numbers were observed in Consall Woods, October 1885, and near Trentham, January 1893 (Birds of Staffordshire, p. 67). During hard weather they have been observed feeding on the seeds of spent hops from breweries in the town of Stone. A regular winter visitant at Willoughbridge (Report North Staff's Field Club, 1894, p. 55). 56. House-Sparrow. Passer domesticus (Linn.) Abundant and resident. Albino and pied varieties have frequently been met with (Birds of Staffordshire, p. 70). 57- Tree-Sparrow. Passer montanus (Linn.) A resident in fair numbers, but local and frequently overlooked from its general resem- blance to the last species. Mr. W. W. Bladen noticed a colony at Stafford Castle in 1879, an<1 Mr. E. W. H. Blagg observed a large flock at Rocester, but as a rule it is found in small colonies. 58. Chaffinch. Fringilla ccelebs, Linn. Locally, Piedfinch, Piedy, Redfinch, Spink or Pink. A very abundant species, resident and assembling in large flocks in winter. 59. Brambling. Fringilla montifringilla, Linn. A winter visitant arriving in flocks and feeding on beech mast. In severe weather it frequents stack yards in company with other birds. 60. Linnet. Linota cannabina (Linn.) Locally, Brown Linnet. A common resident, especially on downs and heaths. [Mealy Redpoll. Linota linaria (Linn.) Included in Mr. Sainter's list without any particulars. Further evidence is necessary before it can be admitted to our list.] 61. Lesser Redpoll. Linota rufescens (Vieillot) Resident and fairly common in some dis- tricts, nesting regularly near Cheadle, Sandon and in the Dove valley. 146
