12 
Everywhere is to be heard the wild cry of the Fieldfare 
(Turdus pilavis),—that bird so characteristic of our sub-alpine 
regions,—which nests everywhere, particularly in the coast dis- 
tricts, in large colonies ; nor is it anywhere wanting in the thick 
birch woods, which as a rule clothe the sides of all the moun- 
tains in the Arctic district. Here are found nest after nest, more 
or less close to each other, but never more than one on each tree ; 
where trees are wanting, or where the birds are undisturbed, they 
take up their quarters upon the verandahs of the houses, and 
during the nesting season, are somewhat obtrusive with their 
shrieking and noise. 
In each colony of this kind there are generally found estab- 
lished one or two pairs of Redwings (Turdus iliacus), which are 
even more obtrusive than their larger cousins. Other small birds 
also commonly settle down in the midst of the colony, because 
they well know, that the stout-hearted thrushes will keep all sorts 
of robbers away, or, at any rate, give them timely notice of the 
danger. 
In every meadow we commonly find a pair of Blue-headed 
Yellow Wagtails (Motacilla flava). This delicately made bird, with 
its lemon-coloured belly, a near relation of our common White 
Wagtail (M. alba) inhabits in Norway almost exclusively the 
higher-lying regions, such as the Sater (= mountain dairy) in- 
closures in the southern high Fjelds, or grassy-bottomed spots in 
the arctic parts. 
In this northern race the hood of the male is dark blue-gray 
or nearly gray-black (M. cinereocapilla, Savi), whilst in the typical 
form in the lowlands of mid-Europe, it is ash-coloured with 
greenish intermixture. 
From the thickets in the gardens, and from the willow bushes 
in the moister places, may be heard the best songster of the 
arctic district, the Blue-throated Warbler (Cyanecula suecica), 
delivering its weak but harmonious song ; certain notes in which 
remind one of the sound of a distant bell, and the peasants call 
it therefore in several places the Little-bell bird.. In Norway it 
is entirely Alpine in its habitat, and never breeds in the low- 
lands. 
Another remarkable songster, which inhabits the willow 
