BIRDS. 211 



of them have been remarked tor their notes, and many of them are reckoned delicate 

 eating. 



T. vifdvorus, Lin. Missel Thrush. Plumage gray -brown above, 

 whitish yellow beneath, varied with dusky spots, the three outer 

 tail-feathers tipped with white ; coverts of the wings bordered and 

 terminated with white. Eleven inches long. Inhabits Europe. B. 

 Selby, Illust. pi. 44, fig. 1. 



This is the largest of the European thrushes, and varies considerably in colour. 

 It inhabits Kurope as far northward as Norway, and is common in Russia, but not 

 found in Siberia. In most of the temperate parts of Europe it is partly migratory, 

 and partly stationary. When disturbed or agitated, it utters a shrill grating scream, 

 which is its usual note in autumn and winter. The male shares the duties of incu- 

 bation, but ceases his song when the young are hatched. 



T. pilaris, Lin. The Fieldfare. Head, neck, and lower part of the 

 back ash-coloured ; top of the back and wing-coverts chestnut ; 

 space between the eye and bill black, and a black line above the 

 eyes ; throat and breast bright red, with black triangular spots; 

 belly pure white ; tail black. Ten inches long. Inhabits Europe, 

 &c.Selbu, Illust. pi. 45. fig 1. 



The Fieldfare in this country is a migratory bird. It generally arrives in Novem- 

 ber in numerous flocks, and frequently remains till the beginning of April, though 

 it often takes. its departure in March. .This bird builds in the pine forests of 

 Norway, Sweden, and Lapland, laying from three to five eggs of a pale bluish-green 

 colour, spotted with reddish brown. Its flesh was highly prized by the ancient Ro- 

 mans, who fattened fieldfares for the table. 



T. musicus, Lin. The Throstle or Thrush. Plumage gray-brown 

 above, yellowish red beneath, varied with dusky spots ; space 

 between the eye and bill yellowish ; belly and flanks white, with 

 oval brown spots; legs gray brown. Nine inches long. In- 

 habits Europe. Selby, Illust. pi. 45. fig. 2. 



Var. From white to different shades of brown, reddish, or yellow. 



T. iliacus, Lin. Red-wing Thrush. Plumage olive brown above ; 

 1 space between the eye and bill black and yellowish; a broad 

 whitish band above the eyes ; inferior wing-coverts and flanks 

 of a bright red ; sides of the neck, breast, and belly sprinkled 

 with numerous longitudinal blackish spots ; belly white. 8 inches 

 long. Northern Europe. B Selby, Illust. pi. 45, fig. 3. 



T. rufus, Plumage ferruginous above, beneath paler and spotted ; 

 quills unspotted ; tail rufous, rounded. Eleven inches long. In- 

 habits N. America. Shaw, x. 191. 



T. torquatus, Lin. Ring-Ouzel. Plumage dusky, with a white col- 

 lar ; bill blackish ; palate and opening yellow ; iris hazel-colour- 

 ed ; legs blackish brown. Ten inches long. Inhabits Europe. B. 

 .Selby, Illust. pi. 44, fig. 2. 



T. merula, Lin. The Blackbird. Plumage black ; bill and feet 

 tawny yellow ; iris and legs black ; a yellow circle around the 



eyes. 9 inches long. Inhabits Europe Selby , Illust. pi. 43. fig. 2. 



The Blackbird inhabits the greatest portion of the temperate regions of Europe 

 and Asia. The male begins his song in the first fine days of spring, and, except 

 during the period of moulting, continues it till the commencement of winter. This 



