4 THE BIRDS OF DEVONSHIRE. 



appear to confine themselves principally to high 

 and lonely Tors, and there, as you wander amongst 

 tlie huge detached blocks of granite, they may he 

 observed hopping from stone to stone," (Zool. 1849. 

 p. 2384). "Although the Ring Oazel moves North 

 and South in large numbers," writes the late Mr. 

 Rodd, " a great, number remain in the spring and 

 summer months on Dartmoor and the Cornish 

 moors to breed, and may be observed all through 

 the summer with their nests, eggs and young," 

 (Zool. 1869. p. 1918). The following extract from 

 Mr. Gatcombe's field notes for 1872, describes this 

 Thrush as seen on its nesting ground : " April 7th, 

 again on Dartmoor. Ring Ouzels uttering their 

 somewhat wild and plaintive call notes in every 

 direction, more especially in the neighbourhood of 

 ' Tavy Cleave,' at which place, when botanising 

 with some friends among the rocks, heath and furze 

 a few years ago, we found several nests and eggs ; 

 and I feel perfectly satisfied that this species may be 

 found annually breeding in suitable localities over 

 the whole extent of the moor. 1 have remarked 

 that, when perched, the position of the Ring Ouzel 

 is more horizontal than that of the Blackbird, but its 

 alarm note is very similar and its song not much 

 unlike. It has a habit of hiding under rocks and 

 large stones when pursued, and if found will 

 suddenly start away with rapid flight to a long- 

 distance, emitting its chucking alarm-notes all the 

 way. It has also the habit, especially when its 



