82 FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



In cold weather the birds assemble in flocks of various 

 dimensions, some containing not more than from twelve to 

 twenty or thirty birds, and others as many as sixty or 

 seventy. They are good eating, and when the frost and 

 snow is protracted enough to interfere with ordinary 

 agricultural pursuits, such flocks are eagerly sought after 

 by rustic gunners and embryo sportsmen. 



When congregated in the manner above mentioned, the 

 birds fly in a loose irregular body, and when they alight, 

 disperse at once over the ground, and commence running 

 and hopping about in search of food with great nimbleness 

 and activity. 



Considerable wariness is displayed by them at all 

 times, but when feeding together in large numbers one 

 or more of the party are usually on the look-out for 

 danger, and if it should approach too closely, a warning 

 note is uttered, and the entire flock seek safety in flight. 



The ordinary note of the Missel Thrush is a harsh, un- 

 pleasant scream frequently repeated, and this is generally 

 uttered when the bird is angry, alarmed, or engaged in 

 some altercation. The song, although sweet, is not of a 

 very first-class description, being monotonous, but it is 

 loud, and well sustained for three or four minutes at a 

 time, and is heard when the rough blasts have effectually 

 silenced the vocal efforts of every other feathered warbler 

 of the grove. Perched on the topmost and swaying branch 

 of some tall tree, the Missel Thrush sings in the most 

 dauntless and defiant manner, and, as a well-known writer 

 happily expresses it, though " other birds retire with bated 

 breath to the shelter of the grove or the humble hedge, 

 he braves the tempest out, and sings his song with iEolus 

 himself." 



