118 TURDUS VISCIVORUS. 



of the triangular or roundish spots seen in the ordinary state of 

 the Missel Thrush. This individual may possibly be a me- 

 lanitic variety, but the two cases of matrimonial union between 

 the Blackbird and Song Thrush recorded in this work autho- 

 rize us to suppose that similar unions may take place between 

 the Blackbird and Missel Thrush. The following table exhi- 

 bits the dimensions of several individuals : — 



F. 



Length l^i'g 



Extent of wings 18 



Bill 1^ 



Wing 65 



Tail U 



Tarsus 1^ 



Middle toe and claw.. 1^% 



Changes. — The plumage is perfect in November, and con- 

 tinues so until the end of winter. After that period, the 

 feathers of the tail are worn, and by the middle or end of sum- 

 mer, a considerable change has taken place. Summer specimens 

 in fact are easily distinguished from those killed in winter. 

 Their feathers are worn, the upper parts have assumed a grey 

 and bleached appearance, the yellow of the lower parts has 

 faded considerably, so that the colour of the throat and breast 

 is greyish-white, spotted with dusky. The moult commences 

 towards the end of summer, and is completed by the end of 

 November. Young birds in their second plumage have more 

 yellow on their lower parts. 



Habits. — The Missel Thrush is a permanent resident, but the 

 native birds of the species are supposed to be joined by others from 

 the continent towards the end of October. They fly about in 

 loose flocks, composed of a few individuals, seldom more than 

 twenty, and at this season betake themselves to the open fields, 

 especially those recently ploughed, where they search for worms, 

 larvse, and seeds. On alighting, the bird stands for some time 

 with the body and tail inclined, the head raised, the wings 



