280 



PASSERES. 



TIJRDID^. 



TURDIDjE. 



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TuRDUS MERULA, Limueus.* 

 THE BLACKBIRD. 



Turdus mcrula. 



The Blackbird, Ouzel t or Merle is a species so generally- 

 known that little need be said of its habits or haunts. Un- 

 like most of the genus to which it belongs, it is very seldom 

 seen in flocks, and rarely more than two are to be observed 

 in company. It frequents woods, plantations and hedges. 

 Though approaching houses and always haunting gardens, 

 it is shy, restless and vigilant, keeping upon the ground 

 within easy reach or under cover of bushes that serve for 

 concealment. If disturbed it takes wing with a loud chat- 

 tering cry of alarm, and after a short flight suddenly turns for 

 shelter into some thicket. 



* Syst. Nat. Ed. 12, i. p. 295 (1766). 

 t "The Ouzel-cock, so black of hue, 



With orange tawny bill." — Midxummer i\'l;/Iit\i Dream, Act. iii. Sc. 1. 



