10 THE MISSEL THRUSH. 



out by Mr. Harvie-Brown, these have a considerable effect 

 on the distribution of migrants.^ Besides these two pro- 

 bable causes of the increase of this species in the county 

 within the last sixty years, it must be kept in view 

 that the ground under plantations, which provide shelter 

 for the birds, has vastly extended within that period. 



It sometimes sings in the autumn months,^ and it 

 is one of our earliest songsters, for, before the snowdrop 

 appears, its loud and clear notes, which somewhat resemble 

 those of the Blackbird, may be occasionally heard coming 

 from the top of some tall tree,^ even when the weather is 

 stormy. 



And fierce Aquarius stains th' inverted year. 



Thomson, Winter. 



Hence one of the popular names of the bird is " The 

 Stormcock." 



During autumn and winter, when the Missel Thrush 

 frequents grass fields and ground from which turnips have 

 been removed, it is very wary ; and immediately flies off 

 when any attempt is made to approach it, uttering its harsh 

 call-notes when on the wing, and occasionally after it has 

 alighted on the top of some lofty tree in the neighbourhood. 

 It is rather shy at all times, with the exception of the 

 breeding season — after its eggs are hatched — when it becomes 

 very bold, and attacks all birds and small animals which go 

 near its nest, uttering loud screams,** and dashing at them 



1 "The Migration of Birds," a paper read to the Stirling Natural History 

 Society on 24th March 1885, p. 7. 



" Mr. Hardy writes, under date 24th November 1863 :—" Missel Thrush 

 in song on sea-banks." And again, on 27th December 1863 :— "Missel Thrush 

 singing in afternoon at Oldcambus." — MS. Azotes. 



5 Dr. Stuart, Chirnside, records :— "The Missel Thrush in full song on the tree 

 tops at the Manse," on 10th January 1884; and ten days afterwards: — "The 

 Missel Thrush continues in full song, especially in windy, damp mornings, on 

 the top of some tall ash tvee."~IIist. Bcr. Nat. Club, vol. x. p. 575. 



* On this account it is called the " Screaming Mavis " in East-Lothian. 



