242 THE MISSEL THRUSH. 



The merulidce is composed of five groups, but only three are 

 represented in Britain — the merulina, or true thrushes ; the 

 cinclus, or dipper; and the oriolana, or oriole. Therefore, I shall 

 describe the merula of Ray — the blackbird and mavis being the 

 types. Some are migratory, and assemble in large flocks in 

 winter, as the fieldfare and redwing. Their food consists of 

 insects, worms, snails, berries, and fruit. I begin with the 

 largest and boldest — the missel, or misseltoe thrush ; sometimes 

 called the throstle and storm-cock — a true native of Britain ; 

 and called the storm-cock, from singing very early in spring in 

 stormy weather. 



Misseltoe, or Missel Thrush. The Throstle. 



(Merula Viscivora, or Turdus Viscivorus.) 



" And groves and gardens all the live-long day 

 Rung with the birds' loud love-songs : over all 

 One thrush was heard from morn till even-fall. 

 . . . From yonder lofty poplar's topmost spray 

 At earliest dawn his thrilling pipe was heard ; 

 And when the light of evening died away, 

 That blithe and indefatigable bird 

 Still his redundant song of joy and love preferred." 



— Southey. 



This is the largest of its tribe, not only in Britain, but in 

 Europe. Length to end of tail, 11|- inches: extent of wings, 

 19-J inches. It is similar in colour to the mavis — head and 

 upper parts, light brown; wing-coverts, dark brown, margined 

 with greyish white ; lower parts, yellowish-white, each feather 

 tipped with black ; bill, blackish ; irides, brown ; legs, pale 

 brown. It used to be rare about St Andrews. Fifty years ago, 

 when I got my first missel thrush's nest in Stravithy Wood 

 (now cut down, and near the present railway station), I thought 

 from the colour of the eggs I had got a prize ; now it is quite 

 common, although not abundant, and found in most large 

 garden* and policies about the city. The tall poplars in Abbey 

 Park, was a favourite nesting-place. It is one of our earliest 

 breeders ; and although it does not sing so sweetly as the mavis 

 nor whistle so loud as the blackbird, it sometimes resembles 

 both. It sings early in spring — even in winter ; a sure sign 

 that breeding is going on, for the one rules the other ; but 



