

RING OUZEL.— riiidus torqudtus. 



and even clashed them into the sea, where they were drowned, and their bodies thrown 

 upon the Devonshire coast for many days afterwards. 



In its colour the Fieldfare bears a decided resemblance to the generality of the Thrushes. 

 The upper parts of the body as far as the shoulders are ashen grey, dotted with dark 

 brown spots upon the head ; the back and wings are rich brown, and the tail is dark 

 blackish-bro\\-n. The chin and throat are a peculiar golden hue, not unlike amber, and 

 covered with numerous black streaks ; the breast is reddish brown, also spotted with 

 black, and the abdomen and under parts white, spotted on the flanks and under tail- 

 coverts with brown of various shades. The Fieldfare is not quite so large a bu'd as the 

 Missel Thrush, being about ten inches in total length. 



Tlie EiNG Ouzel is also only a visitant of England, but its times of arrival and 

 departure are precisely contrary to those of the bird just described. 



This species seldom arrives in England until the mouth of April, and as it generally 

 confines itself to certain districts, is not very common. It is, however, sparingly found in 

 most parts of England, Ireland, and Scotland, though it seems to prefer the more western 

 and southern districts. The name of Ring Ouzel has been universally given to this bird 

 on account of the broad white band that partially suiTounds the lower portions of the 

 throat, and is very conspicuous in its contrast with the deep black brown of the rest of 

 the plumage. With the exception of this white band, the general plumage of the Ring 

 Ouzel is very like that of the male blackbird, which it also resembles in size and general 

 form. 



