THE MISTLE-THRUSH 115 



sistent in his song, and we have known him remain 

 upon one branch in a lofty elm tree for three hours 

 in succession, singing at regular intervals the whole 

 time. He sings well into the twilight, and often 

 commences before dawn ; whilst the rough weather 

 peculiar to his singing season must be exceptionally- 

 inclement to stay his gladsome voice. We have 

 repeatedly heard this gladsome singer carol sweetly 

 while blinding sleet has been falling, and at other 

 times listened to his well-known lay as it could only 

 be heard in fitful snatches during the brief lulls 

 of a howling gale. A songster such as this surely 

 claims our warmest admiration. If alarmed whilst 

 singing he usually flies off to another tree and at 

 once begins anew. 



As the breeding season approaches, the habits 

 of the Mistle-Thrush undergo a very marked and 

 curious change. From being one of the shyest and 

 wariest of birds it becomes one of the most trustful. 

 All its wonted reserve seems gone, and it fearlessly 

 approaches our habitations and makes its nest in 

 the most exposed situations. But as some kind 

 of safeguard against such temerity it also becomes 

 more skulking in its habits, more unobtrusive and 

 much more silent. Indeed a pair of these Thrushes 

 will often rear a brood in an orchard, and the fact 

 never become known until the noisy young are 

 abroad, and all inducement to secrecy is over. 

 The favourite breeding-places of this Thrush are 



