THE RING OUZEL. 233 



THE KING OUZEL, 



(Turdus torquatus.) 

 PLATE XV. FIGURE IV. 



THE Latin word torquatiis, meaning one that wears a collar or chain, 

 is applied to this species on account of the broad, half-moon-shaped 

 patch of white at the lower part of the neck, that stands out so con- 

 spicuously from the nearly black plumage of the remainder of its body. 

 In general form it resembles the Blackbird, but is rather stouter, and 

 has the wings longer, and the tail shorter. 



This bird, sometimes called the Rock, Tor, or Mountain Ouzel, the 

 White-breasted or Moor Blackbird, and the Ringed Thrush, visits the 

 British Isles about April, and departs in October. It spends the 

 winter in the warmer parts of Europe France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, 

 Switzerland, and Germany; but its northern range extends, during 

 the summer, as far as Norway and Sweden. In this country it resorts 

 chiefly to the northern and western rocky and mountainous districts, 

 breeding in some parts of Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, as also in 

 the counties of Cumberland, Northumberland, Yorkshire, Westmoreland, 

 Durham, Derbyshire, and Devonshire. In the other parts of England 

 it is frequently seen, when migrating during the spring and autumn, 

 but rarely remains to breed. About October flocks of twenty or 

 thirty are sometimes met with along the southern coasts preparing 

 for departure. 



The Ring Ouzel is very shy and wary, except during the breeding 

 season, when, if any person approaches its nest, it is bold and cla- 

 morous. Like the other members of the Thrush family, it is of a 

 restless and active disposition, rarely remaining long in one position, 

 and frequently twitching its tail and jerking its wings. Its flight is 

 strong, rapid, and but slightly undulated; when disturbed it usually 

 flies off in a direct manner to a considerable distance. It feeds on 

 worms, snails, and insects, but before migrating in the autumn, often 

 leaves the wild and desolate mountain regions for the lower cultivated 

 districts, and attacks the cherries, gooseberries, and other fruit. "The 



2 H 



