RING-OUZEL 



Turdus torquatus 



>HE Ring-Ouzel is a regular summer visitor to Great Britain, 

 and breeds on the highlands and hills in suitable localities. 

 In Scotland and Ireland, as also in the north of England, 

 it is a fairly common bird, and has been recorded as 

 nesting in some of the southern counties of England. Its 

 winter -quarters are in Southern Europe, North Africa, 

 and Asia Minor. 



The Ring-Ouzel is the only migratory Thrush that visits our shores to 

 rear its young. Its favourite haunts are the wilds of the mountains, and its 

 plaintive whistle may be heard on most of our hills and mountains, however 

 rugged and wild. Wherever the Golden Plover and the Red Grouse breed 

 the Ring-Ouzel is almost certain to be found. It prefers the wildest solitudes 

 of the mountains, where there are rocks and heather, and is especially fond of 

 the banks of wild mountain streams. It arrives in our country about the 

 end of March and the beginning of April, and from that time till its departure 

 in late autumn it haunts the uplands. 



Shortly after their arrival at their breeding-haunts the males begin to 

 sing. It is a somewhat monotonous performance, but loud and cheery, especially 

 among the wild and lonely mountains. It rather reminds one of the Starling's 

 song, and yet possesses some characteristics of the Blackbird's mellow notes. 

 The bird first utters a few low musical notes, followed quickly by several harsh 

 rasping tones, and remains silent for a minute or so before repeating the 

 performance. The call-notes of the Ring-Ouzel are somewhat varied ; sometimes 

 three low, plaintive whistles may be heard, at other times the male has a 

 sharp, piping cry and the alarm-note is ' tac-tac-tac! frequently repeated. 

 The food of the Ring-Ouzel is varied ; like the Blackbird he may be seen 

 on the grassy pasture-lands among the hills, searching for worms in the early 



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