TURDUS ILIACUS 7 



The Kedwing is not a common species in Tunisia, but occurs there 

 in limited numbers as an irregular winter migrant, being more plen- 

 tiful in some years than others. In exceptionally severe winters the 

 species may be fairly abundant, and it was probably during such a 

 season that Loche observed these birds in Algeria, and alluded to 

 their arriving in autumn in large flocks, and remaining in the country 

 for two or three months (Expl. Scient. Alg. Ois. i, p. 190). As a 

 rule, however, the Eedwing is by no means plentiful in North-west 

 Africa, and in ordinary winters only occurs in limited numbers in the 

 more wooded and hilly districts north of the Atlas, never, so far as I 

 am aware, straying south of these mountains. 



In North Marocco, as in Algeria and Tunisia, the species is to 

 be met with occasionally in winter, and it has also been recorded 

 from the Canary Islands and Madeira, but appears to be wanting 

 in North-east Africa. Neither the Eedwing nor the Fieldfare came 

 under the notice of Mr. Dodson during his collecting tour in Tripoli. 



My collection contains specimens from El-Kef and other districts 

 in North Tunisia, and Eedwings may sometimes be seen in the Tunis 

 market, the bird-catchers of that town occasionally taking them in 

 their nets together with the common Thrush. When met with in 

 Tunisia the Eedwing is generally to be found in small flocks, fre- 

 quenting well-wooded districts where seeds and berries are plentiful, 

 the food of the species to a great extent consisting of such diet, 

 although worms, snails and larvae of different kinds, as well as 

 coleoptera and other insects, are eaten by it quite as much, or perhaps 

 even more, than vegetable food. 



In its flight and in many of its habits the Eedwing greatly 

 resembles the common Thrush, although it is somewhat more shy 

 and wary. Its note in winter is in no way remarkable, but those 

 who have heard the bird in full song in its northern home consider 

 it a good and sweet songster, although not equal to our common 

 Thrush. 



Sports or varieties of the Eedwing are to be met with occasionally, 

 a rufous form being not uncommon. 



