25 
Ghe Birds of Cookliam and the Weighbourhood, 
THE SONG THRUSH.—Continued from page 14, Vol. II. 
31. Turdus musicus. The Song Thrush. 
I would call attention to the migratory habits of this species, a 
fact probably unheard of by many of my readers, but one which 
I think will be found to be true. Mr. Briggs and myself have 
noticed that there always seems to be a gradual increase of 
Thrushes about the beginning of February, which continues until 
the breeding season has fairly set in. Professor Newton has 
written a short but interesting note on this subject,* in which he 
comes to the conclusion, after several years’ observations, that the 
Song Thrush is a regular migrant. I quote a few of hisremarks : 
—‘‘ Since the Autumn of 1849, my brother Edward and myself 
have paid much attention to the presence or absence of the so- 
- called resident species of Zurdus. The result of our observations 
is such as to leave on our minds no doubt of the regular migra- 
tion of the Song Thrush, as far as concerns the particular locality 
whence I write (Elveden). Year after year we have noticed that, 
as summer draws to a close, the birds of this species (at that 
season very abundant) associate more or less in small companies. 
As autumn advances, their numbers often undergo a very visible 
increase until about the middle of October, when a decided dimi- 
nution takes place. Sometimes large, but more generally small, 
flocks are seen passing at a considerable height overhead, and 
the frequenters of the brakes and turnip fields grow scarcer. By 
the end of November, hardly an example ordinarily appears. 
* * * * * Towards the end of January, or beginning of 
February, their return commences. They appear at first slowly 
and singly; but as spring advances, in considerable abundance 
and without interruption, until, in the height of the breeding 
season, they by far outnumber their more stay-at-home cousins 
the Blackbirds.” I had never been witness to the autumnal 
gatherings of the Song Thrush till last year, when Mr. Briggs 
* This, 1860, p. 83. 
E 
