THE PASSERINE BIRDS 119 



rather like an overgrown Wren, this bird enjoys the unique dis- 

 tinction among perching birds of being able not only to swim, but 

 also to run along the bed of swift streams, whence much of its 

 food is derived. It is an insect-feeder, though, through ignorance, 

 it has been described as causing great havoc in trout streams, the 

 eggs of trout being supposed to form no small part of its diet when 

 these dainty morsels are to be had. So far, however, the case has 

 not only not been proved against them, but it has no foundation 

 in fact. 



FAMILY TURDID/E (Thrushes) 



We pass now to the Thrush family and its near relations. 



The Thrushes contain some superb songsters, and among these 

 the Common Thrush and the Blackbird enjoy pride of place. 



The MisTLE-THRUSH (Plate XXIX. fig. 2), known also as the 

 ** Storm-cock," is the largest of our British Thrushes, and is to be 

 met with all the year round. Measuring about 10^ inches in length, 

 it may further be distinguished by the fact that the spots on the 

 breast are kidney-shaped, while in the Common Thrush they 

 have rather the shape of a peg-top. Even when on the wing this 

 bird may readily be distinguished, since the outer tail-feathers have 

 white tips. 



Though not really more common, the Blackbird (Plate XXIX. 

 fig. i) is probably a much better-known bird than the Mistle-thrush, 

 for he is more in evidence, even deigning to take up a residence 

 near and in large towns. In the London parks, for example. Black- 

 birds may be seen all the year round. Though the sable livery and 

 golden bill give the Blackbird some claim to beauty, it is more as a 

 songster that he is esteemed, the note of this bird being peculiarly 

 flute-like and beautiful. The female is a quite sombrely clad 

 individual, her plumage being of a dull brown. Fruit gardeners 

 wage a relentless war on the Blackbird, which is only partly 

 justified. 



It is interesting to note that the nest of the Blackbird, like that 

 of the Mistle-thrush, is lined with dry grasses, while that of the com- 

 mon thrush has a water-tight lining of rotten wood and cow-dung. 



