THE GOLDEN ORIOLE. 293 



In appearance, habits, and disposition, the ring-ouzel much 

 resembles the blackbird. Its song is plaintive, with but few 

 notes, and nearly resembling the cry of a chicken that has 

 gone astray from its mother. It consists of a lengthened 

 and melancholy, but shrill, cheep, cheep, chapp. 



The ring-ouzel, like others of the thrushes, feeds on 

 insects, worms, berries, &c. 



It for the most part makes its nest on the ground ; at 

 times, however, on an old stump, a few feet from the ground. 

 The female lays from four to six eggs of a light-green colour, 

 marked with reddish-brown spots. " In the commencement of 

 June," Nilsson says, " I have seen full-fledged young ones." 



Though not enumerated in the Scandinavian fauna, 

 Kjaerbolling tells us, that the T. varius, Pall. & Horsf. 

 (T. Whiteij Eyton, fide Kjserb.) has been found in Sweden, 

 and is believed to have been seen also in Denmark. 



He informs us further, that the Sort-strubet Drossel, or 

 Black- throated Thrush (T. atrigularis, Gloger ; T. Bech- 

 steinii, Naum.), which is a denizen of southern Europe, has 

 been killed in one instance within the Danish dominions. 



The Golden Oriole (Sommar-Gylling, Sw. ; Oriolus Gal- 

 bula, Linn.) was never observed with us ; but a trust- 

 worthy person assured me that on one occasion he had met 

 with it near to Gothenburg. It is rare in Scandinavia, 

 as also in Denmark ; in parts of Finland it is said to be 

 plentiful. Migrates. 



This beautiful bird is described as being lively and shy ; 

 as flying with rapidity from one part of the wood to another ; 

 as always holding to the crowns of umbrageous trees ; and 

 as having a high whistling call-note, and a song which some- 

 what resembles that of the thrushes, but not so melodious. 



