214 FIELDFARE AND REDWING. 



The song-thrush, or throstle, though not one of the 

 most elegant, is certainly one of the sweetest songsters of 

 the grove ; and is equally remarkable for the variety and 

 the long continuance of its notes. Like the missel-bird, 

 it pours its melody from the top of some high tree ; but, 

 when about to form its nest, it descends to some low bush 

 or thicket. 



These birds are migratory in France. They feed on 

 insects, and berries of the holly and misletoe ; and during 

 severe snowy weather, when there is a failure of their 

 usual diet, are observed to scratch up the roots of arum, 

 or cuckoo-pint, from the hedges; a plant remarkably warm 

 and pungent, and a salutary viand well adapted for the 

 season. 



THE FIELDFARE. 



This is a bird of passage ; spending its summers in the 

 north of Europe, and visiting us about Michaelmas. It is 

 larger than the common thrush, and its flesh is esteemed 

 a peculiar delicacy. Fieldfares fly in flocks, and afford 

 much diversion to the classes of minor sportsmen during 

 the winter. They leave this country about the beginning 

 of March. 



THE REDWING. 



This species is somewhat smaller than the common 

 thrush ; which it nearly resembles in the colours of its back, 

 neck, and head ; but the sides and under parts of the wings 

 are orange or dusky-red, while the breast and belly are 

 whitish. 



Redwings are migratory; generally appearing in this 

 island, and taking their departure with the fieldfare. Their 

 flesh is less esteemed than that of their kindred species* 

 In this country they have a disagreeable piping note; but 

 in Sweden, where they breed, they sing very agreeably, 

 perched on the top of some tree among the forests of 

 maples. 



