SONG-THRUSH. 197 



likely, for the wing measurements of that race are a little above 

 the average. 



The Song-Thrush or Throstle is one of our best-known birds ; 

 it frequents and nests in our gardens, and though found in 

 woods and unfrequented areas shows decided preference for 

 inhabited and cultivated districts ; it is not common on the 

 hills. The song varies individually in quality, but a good- 

 voiced Thrush has much in common with the Nightingale, not 

 only in the variety and tone of its phrases, but also in that it 

 occasionally sings at night. In suitable weather the bird sings 

 in autumn and winter, and August is perhaps its only really 

 quiet month. The Song-Thrush possesses the imitative faculty, 

 but the notes it catches best are those which lend themselves 

 to short-phrase repetition ; I have heard it copy the Lapwing, 

 Ringed Plover, Redshank, Green Woodpecker, and certain notes 

 of the Nightingale ; indeed in Norfolk it has for a moment 

 misled me. A common call of the Thrush is tchiick, which, 

 modulated or rapidly repeated, expresses various emotions ; it 

 may be shortened to tchik or tic, especially at roosting time ; it 

 can be subdued into a love-note, or hurriedly repeated in the 

 rattling cry of alarm. It has a soft seep not unhke that of 

 the Redwing, and the cock, when bringing food to the sitting 

 hen, greets her with a hurried and anxious-sounding twitter. 

 Early in the year the males tight frequently and will sing during 

 the bouts. 



The Thrush flies quickly and direct, its wings moving rapidly ; 

 on the ground it runs or hops, but seldom walks. When seeking 

 food it holds its head on one side, as if listening, but this is due 

 to the lateral position of the eyes ; an alert and listening bird 

 holds the head raised and the body erect. Nuptial antics, 

 except pugilistic encounters, are apparently uncommon, but I 

 have seen a bird approach two others, creeping on its belly, 

 with wings dragging and tail drooped, and with its mandibles 

 open as if with fear. Unfortunately my presence stopped the 



