TITMICE AND THRUSHES. 85 
the peculiarly lacerating screech which the latter bird 
invariably utters when in any way alarmed. The 
nest itself, however, is even more conspicuous than 
that of the blackbird, for its architect is just as likely 
to build upon an exposed branch as in a bush, and 
seems to consider concealment of any kind as wholly 
unnecessary. So obtrusively visible, in many cases, 
is the nest, indeed, that I have often caught sight of 
it from a distance of fifty or sixty yards. 
As regards the actual construction of its abode, 
however, the thrush as a builder must take very high 
rank, as all will admit who have ever examined the 
result of her labours. 
First comes the outer wall of the nest, which is 
formed principally of roots, twigs, and mosses, neatly 
intertwined after the manner of basket-work. Then 
comes a layer of a somewhat unpleasant but appa- 
rently a very useful substance—viz., cowdung— 
which, moistened by the bird’s saliva, is carefully 
plastered and worked into place. Lastly comes 
another layer of decayed wood, kneaded and pressed 
by the beak, and the result is a smooth, hard surface, 
which, when once dry, is almost as impervious to 
moisture as an earthenware vessel. ‘The eggs, which 
are of a pale blue colour, spotted at the larger end 
with black, are generally five in number, and two 
broods of young are brought up in the course of the 
season—circumstances, such as nest-hunting school- 
boys, permitting. | 
ANOTHER of our British thrushes, and a very useful 
