i8 



THRUSHES. 



The thrushes devour fruits quite as much as they do insects. In 

 sweetness, compass, and versatility, their song surpasses that of 

 most of the feathered race. These birds are found in all parts of 

 the world ; they are of a shy disposition, and more or less migra- 

 tory. The European species retire in large flocks to temperate 

 regions in the winter season, returning to the northern countries 

 as summer approaches. Some frequent the forests, outskirts of 

 woods or thickets, and bushes in meadows and pastures, while 

 others retreat to rocky, mountainous districts. Worms, larvae of 

 insects, and mollusks form their chief summer subsistence, while 

 in the winter they pluck the berries of various plants. Many of 

 them utter a loud whistling note, which, in certain seasons, is 

 exchanged for a pleasing song, poured forth from the highest 

 branches of small trees. 



Nest of Song Thrush. 



The type of this sub-family is — 



The Missel Thrush {Turdiis viscivorus). Of all the thrushes, this spe- 

 cies is the most extensively spread over the old continents, being not only 

 found in Europe, but also in the Himalaya Mountains, and the high lands of 

 Asia, at an altitude which affords a temperature similar to that of our own 



