10 BIRDS OF TUNISIA 



Iris brown ; bill and rim round the eyes orange-yellow ; feet dark brown. 



Total length 10-25 inches, wing 5, eulmen 1, tarsus l-2o. 



Adult female has the upper parts dark olivaceous-brown ; the throat 

 and the sides of the neck greyish, slightly washed with rufous, and streaked 

 with dark brown ; breast rufous-brown, striped with dark brown ; abdomen 

 ashy-grey, becoming darker on the under tail-coverts. 



Iris brown ; bill and feet dark brown. 



Observations. — The plumage of the female Blackbird is subject to con- 

 siderable individual variation, independent of that due to season or age. 



The Blackbird foimd in Tunisia has hitherto been considered 

 identical with our common European bird, and has been referred 

 to it accordingly. Apparently, however, the resident form of the 

 species occurring in the Kegency differs from typical T. merula, L. 

 suthciently to require separation, and must be referred to the following 

 sub-species. 



There is, however, every reason to believe that the common 

 European Blackbird occurs in Tunisia as a migrant in winter, for, 

 according to Blanc, the number of Blackbirds observable at that 

 season is far greater than it is at any other time of the year, and 

 this can only be due to the influx of migrants. I hope to be able to 

 verify this fact shortly, and obtain specimens of typical T. meniJa, L. 

 from Tunis. 



The Blackbird frequents gardens, groves, and wooded localities, 

 where it can conceal itself among thick foliage. In its habits it is 

 bright and active, not particularly shy as a rule, although more so 

 when on migration than at other periods of the year, or when 

 established in its breeding home. It feeds on insects and their larvte, 

 worms, snails, and slugs, as well as on berries and fruit when in 

 season. Its well-known rich and melodious notes are the cause of 

 the bird being often kept in confinement. 



The species is very subject to albinism, both partial and complete. 



