but is usually placed against the trunk of the tree or in some large fork. 

 The bird seems to have a peculiar aversion to evergreens for a nesting-site, 

 and if the tree chosen be ivy-covered, the nest is almost certain to be built 

 in some fork quite clear of the ivy. 



The Mistle Thrush often exposes its nest in the most careless manner, 

 yet it is surprising how often it escapes detection. The birds are very silent 

 during the breeding season, especially in the vicinity of their nest, and 

 perhaps this has something to do with it. The nest undergoes three distinct 

 stages before completion, as is the case with the nests of nearly all the 

 Thrushes. The outside is built of grass, moss, dead chickwccd, rootlets, 

 and often large masses of wool, through which arc woven a few sticks to 

 hold it all firm ; the rough nest thus formed is lined with mud and clay, and 

 lastly a thick lining of grass, much of it pulled fresh, is added to complete 

 the structure. 



The eggs laid vary from three to five in number, and are somewhat 

 different in colour from the typical Thrush's eggs. The ground-colour varies 

 from bluish white to reddish brown, blotched, spotted, or clouded with rich 

 purplish brown, and violet grey under-markings, the eggs varying consider- 

 ably in shape, size, and colour, even in the same clutch. They vary in 

 length from 1*30 to ro inch, and in breadth from '93 to 79 inch. 



When the young are hatched no bird is more vigilant than the Mistle Thrush 

 in its watch over its offspring. If the nest be in danger no bird is as noisy, 

 and woe betide the unfortunate Crow, Jay, or Magpie that comes too near. 



