Family TURDIDAE. 



Turdus merula L. — Blackbird. 



(Plate 66, fig. a-e). 

 (Snouckaert: Avifauna Neerlandica, p. 43, No. 102). 



Colour of surface of shell 



Colour of spots: 

 Average dimensions: 

 Average weight of shell: 

 Texture of shell: 

 Shape : 

 Nest: 



Site of nest: 



Number of eggs: 

 Breeding season: 

 Duration of incubation 



bluish green in various shades; yellowish 

 grey. 



rusty red ; yellowish brown. 



29.3 X 21.4 millimetres. 



0.4 gram. 



not specially characterized. 



varies considerably. 



consists of vegetable material and frequently 

 of some cow dung, intermixed as a rule 

 with mud or damp earth; lined with plant 

 fibres and hair. 



at greatly varying heights in trees, shrubs, 

 etc.; also on and even in the ground; in 

 holes in trees, on wooden clamps, and in 

 similar places. 



5—6 (after-set: 4-5). 



end of March — beginning of July. 



about 15 days. 



