? 



T,IE EUROPEAN BLACKBIRD. 



Synonymea. 



Turdus merulO) 



Merle, 



Schwarzdrossel, 



Melro, 

 Blackbird, 

 English Blackbird, 



Or ORNITHOLOGISTS. 

 OF THE FRENCH. 

 Or THE GERMANS. 

 Or THE SPANIARDS 



AND ITALIANS. 

 Or THE PORTUGUESE. 

 Or THE BRITISH. 

 Or THE ANGLO-AMKRIC ANS. 



EING a permanent resident throughout the whole ol 

 tne Old World, even as far north as Sweden, the 

 European Blackbird is sufficiently hardy by nature 

 to withstand the climate of nearly, if not all parts of the 

 United States. Of all the thrushes, with perhaps the exception 

 of the American robin, he is the most capable of instruction. 

 His song is rich in melody, and contains some deep notes like 

 those of the nightingale, varied, indeed, with some which are 

 disagreeably harsh. At large, he sings only from March to 

 July ^specially at night; but in the cage, during the whole 

 year except at moulting time. A single bird will enliven a 

 whole street, so pure, distinct, and clear is his note. His 

 memory, also, is so good, that he will learn several airs and 

 melodies without mixing them; and sometimes even to 

 imitate words. Neither does he forget what he has once 

 well acquired. 



