TURDID.E — THE THRUSHES. 23 



Turdus iliacus, Linn. 



REDWING THRUSH. 



Turdus iliacKS, Lixn. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. 17.58, 168, and of European authors. — Rein- 

 HARDT, Ibis, 1861, 6 (Greenland). Baiud, Rev. Am. B. 1864, 23 (Greenland). 



Sp. Char. This species is smaller than our Robin {T. migrator iics), but of a similar 

 grayish-olive above, including the head. The under parts are white ; the feathers of the 

 lower throat and breast streaked with brown. The sides, axillars, and inner wing-covei't 

 are reddish-cinnamon. A conspicuous white streak over the eye and extending as far 

 back as the nape. Bill black, yellow at base of lower jaw. Legs pale-colored. Second 

 quill longer than fifth. Length, about 8.25 ; wing, 4.64 ; tail, 3.45 ; bill, from gape, 1.07 ; 

 from nostril, .44; tarsus, I.IG; middle toe and claw, L15. Specimen described: 18,718, 

 (J, a British specimen received from the Royal Artillery Institution, Woolwich. 



Hab. Greenland, in the New World. 



The occurrence of this well-known European species in Greenland brings 

 it within the limits of the American Fauna. Two Greenland specimens are 

 recorded by Dr. Eeinhardt : one of thent shot at Frederickshaab, October 20, 

 1845. 



Habits. Tlie Redwing can probably only claim a place in the fauna of 

 North America as an occasional visitant. Of the two specimens observed 

 in Greenland, one was shot late in October. It is not known to breed there. 



This species, during its breeding season, is found only in the more northern 

 portions of Europe ; only occasionally, and very rarely, breeding so far south 

 as England. It makes its appearance in that kingdom on its southern migra- 

 tions, coming in large flocks from Northern and Northeastern Europe, and 

 arriving usually before the end of October. During their stay in England 

 they frequent parks and pleasure-grounds that are ornamented with clumps 

 of trees. During mild and open weather they seek their subsistence in 

 pasture lands and moist meadows, feeding principally on worms and snails. 

 In severe winters, when the ground is closed by frost or covered by snow, 

 the Redwings are among tlie first birds to suffer, and often perish in large 

 numbers. 



During the winter they extend their migrations to the more southern por- 

 tions of Europe, to Sicily, Malta, and even to .Smyrna. In early spring they 

 return to the more central portions of the continent, and leave in INIay for 

 their more northern places of resort. 



They nest in trees in the moist woods of Norway and Sweden. Their 

 nests resemble those of the common Fieldfare, T. pilaris. The outside is 

 composed of sticks, weeds, and coarse grass, gathered wet, and matted with a 

 small quantity of moist clay. They are lined with a thick bed of fine grass. 



The Redwing is said to possess a delightful note, and is called the Night- 

 ingale of Norway. Linna3us, speaking of this bird, claims that its high 

 and varied notes rival even those of that far-famed vocalist. 



During the summer the Redwing advances to the extreme north, visiting 



