THE BIRDS OF RAINHAM. 19 



PIED FLYCATCHER. 

 Muscicapa atricapilla, Linn. 



I have never once met with the Pied Flycatcher. 

 One of a pair was shot in a wood-lane, by a small 

 pond, May 1st, 1871. 



MISSEL THRUSH. 

 Turdus viscivorus. Linn. 



A few mild days in February the Missel-Thrush 

 begins to enliven us with its song, being the first of 

 the Thrushes to remind us of the time of the year ; 

 builds the latter end of March, making its nest and 

 laying its eggs in either an apple or pear tree in our 

 orchards, but owing to the bare foliage is seldom 

 allowed to rear its young ; it never attempts to make 

 a second nest near the same place. 



The loud wild note of the " Storm Cock " is most 

 engaging, as a rule indicative of rough stormy 

 weather. 



SONG THRUSH. 

 Turdus musicus, Linn. 



The Song thrush begins to warble forth its charm- 

 ing song the beginning of February, and enlivens us 

 at bright intervals throughout the month ; when 

 spring time comes round the Thrush sings its wild, 

 loud, melodious carol on an elevated perch from 



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