12 



BRITISH BIRDS 



with, but the cinnamon variety is rare, and is not so 

 handsome as the purely white, which is among the most 

 elegant of birds, when seen in perfect condition. 



The Blackbird is naturally shy and unobtrusive in its 

 habits, frequenting woods and copses for the most part; 

 but where he is conscious that he is protected and wel- 

 come, he will become very tame and even bold. In the latter 

 case, he is often found in gardens, especially in such as 

 are old-fashioned and of large extent, but it is a question 

 whether he is not there rather for the purpose of seeking 



THE BLACKBIRD. 



after the natural enemies of the gardener than in search 

 of the products of the enclosure itself. 



Like the Song Thrush, he is resident in our midst 

 throughout the year, and is generally to be met with in 

 company of his mate, the male and female keeping pretty 

 closely together at all seasons. 



In the house, a cage like either of those recommended 

 for the Thrush will be found suitable for the Blackbird, 

 or he may be kept in a garden aviary, where he and his 

 mate should be alone, for they are somewhat interfering 

 with other birds, even larger ones than themselves, and 

 there they will show to greater advantage than in the house, 



