REDWING. 87 



tint, but still keeping their general distribution 

 and varieties with the head, or head and neck 

 white or pale gray, are mentioned by Dr Latham. 

 There seems little difference in the colours of 



the sexes. 



REDWING. MERULA ILIACA, The Redwing, 

 Turdus iliaca,Linn. Redwing of British authors. 

 Is another of our migratory thrushes, visiting us, 

 like the former, in winter, and returning to nearly 

 the same latitudes to breed and spend the summer. 

 It arrives on our shores, however, at a much 

 earlier period than the fieldfare, being often seen 

 in small parties towards the beginning of 

 October, when, after quitting the coast, we have 

 generally first observed it about the sub-alpine 

 glens, partially clothed with hawthorn and brush, 

 now comparatively tame, and seeking the shelter 

 rather than attempting to escape by flight. With 

 the advance of the season, it also gradually draws 

 towards the lower grounds, feeding on the hedges 

 mountain ash, &c. and frequenting one locality unti . 

 it has plundered and devoured the whole crop o< 

 berries. They are now wary, and can scarcely 

 be approached openly, but still are not so watch- 

 fully alert as the fieldfare ; their alarm cry is a 

 shrill whistle, and, during their winter visit, they 

 give utterance to no more melodious note. When 

 the wild berries fail, cney betake themselves to 

 the low meadows or upland pastures, as the 

 weather is severe or mild ; and, on the return 



