272 



PASSERES. 



TURDIDiE. 



TURDlDyE. 



TuRDUS PILARIS, LinnsBus,* 

 THE FIELDFARE. 



Tardus pilaris. 



The Fieldfare is a well-known migratory Thrush coming 

 to us from the north-east, and usually arriving towards the 

 end of Octoher, hut sometimes so early as Septemher ; its 

 appearance partly depending on the temperature of the 

 season. It is generally seen in large flocks, which, if the 

 weather continues open and mild, spread over the fields, and 

 especially pasture-lands, in search of worms, slugs and the 

 larvae of insects ; hut on the occurrence of snow or frost, the 

 hirds take to the hedges, and feed on haws and various her- 

 ries f, or, failing them, even on turnips. At this time they 

 are shy and difficult to approach : the whole flock, taking 

 wing and keeping together, settle hy scores on some distant 



" Syst. N;it. Ea. 12, i. p. 291 (1766). 



f In Germany they are supposed to be extremely partial to the berries of the 

 juniper, and henee receive their common name in that country. 



