THE THRUSHES 



1645 



the South- African thrush; this last uttering a peculiar half song, half call, as if it 

 were troubled with a cold. 



The missel thrush ( Turdus viscivorus} is found in nearly every part 

 of Europe at the one or other season of the year, breeding in the north- 

 ern regions, and wintering partially in the southern parts. It has enormously in- 

 creased its breeding range in the British Isles during the present century; and in the 



Missel Thrush 



A PAIR OF ROCK THRUSHES. 



autumn and winter months is shy and retiring, hunting the open fields in flocks, 

 which exercise extreme vigilance over their common safety. Although this bird 

 feeds principally upon worms and berries in the winter, its common name is derived 

 from its passionate fondness for the berries of the mistletoe, which are rejected by 

 the majority of small birds, even when pressed by hunger. The missel thrush pairs 

 early in the season, and the nest is generally placed in some conspicuous position. 



