3 COMMON BRITISH BIRDS 



is brown, with black markings, like the farmyard 

 Duck. 



Note. Similar to that of the domestic species. 



Distinguishing Feature. The ordinary Wild Duck can 

 hardly be mistaken. The more uncommon species 

 do not come within the scope of this work. 



Nest. In reeds or other secluded spot, sometimes 

 up in a willow-tree, lined with down from the Duck's 

 breast. 



Eggs. Greenish- blue. 



Haunts. Meres, pools, &c. Numbers increased during 

 the autumn and winter by arrival from more northerly 

 regions. 



FIELDFARE. (W.M. Thrushes.) 



Size. Larger than Song Thrush, but not quite so 

 large as the Missel Thrush. 



Colour. Head grey, back and wing-coverts rich chest- 

 nut-brown, lower back ashy-grey, wings blackish, 

 tail black, space between bill and eye black. Throat, 

 sides of neck and breast, yellowish-white, with dusky 

 spots ; centre of breast and belly white without spots. 



Note. The notes we hear during the Fieldfare's 

 winter sojourn in Britain are a chattering cry heard as 

 the flock flies overhead, moving maybe to some fresh 

 feeding-ground, and a sharp alarm-note, ' tsak,' often 

 uttered from the top of a tall tree. 



Distinguishing Feature. The chestnut and grey back, 

 with the black tail contrasting with the latter, serve 

 to identify the Fieldfare. It is usually seen in flocks 

 about the grasslands, arriving about October and 

 leaving in April. In severe weather Fieldfares are seen 

 feeding on the haws and holly berries in company with 

 other Thrush birds. 



Does not nest in British Isles. 



Haunts. Fields. Roosts on the ground at night. 



FLYCATCHER, GREY. (S.M. Flycatchers.) 



Size. Sparrow. 



Colour. Brownish-grey above, wings dark brown, 

 also tail. A few spots on head. Under parts greyish- 

 white, with a few faint spots on throat and upper part 

 of breast. 



