624 BIRDS. 



In spring they procreate very early. The nest is made of moss, 

 grass, &c. lined with clay, and covered over afterwards with hay. 

 They feed upon fruit and insects of every kind. 



5. Ring-ouzel. 

 Turdus torquatus. Linn. 

 Blackish ; bill yellowish ; collar white. There are one or two 

 other varieties from diversity of colour, which are called water- 

 ouzel and rock-ouzel. The French name merle is applied to all 

 three. The middle of the breast of the ring-ouzel is beautifully 

 ornamented with its crescent of pure white ; the horns pointing 

 to the hind part of the neck. The water.ouzel is the most retired 

 of this solitary tribe : it is commonly seen single, hopping by small 

 brooks, or steep banks. It lives upon insects and small fishes ; 

 and, though unprovided with webbed feet, will dive in pursuit of 

 them. But the most beautiful of this tribe is the carnation or rose- 

 coloured ouzel, which, Linnaeus informs us, is an inhabitant of 

 Lapland and Switzerland. One or two of these birds have been 

 seen in Britain, where they were supposed to have strayed in their 

 migrations from Lapland to the south of Europe. The breast, 

 belly, back, and coverts of the wings, of this beautiful species, 

 are of the colour of a rose of two tints, of which the one is pale 

 and the other deeper. The head, neck, wings, and tail, shine 

 with different reflections of purple artd green. The ouzel inhabit* 

 Europe, Asia, and Africa; is eleven inches long, migrates in 

 flocks, and feeds on insects and berries. 



6. Mocking-bird, or Mimic Thrush, 

 Turdus polyglottus. Linn. 

 Dusky ash, beneath pale ash ; primary quill feathers white on 

 the outer half. Nine inches and a half long ; feeds on berries, 

 fruits, and insects. This bird forms a striking exception to the 

 general character which naturalists have given of the birds of the 

 new world. It is allowed by all travellers that the rich, lively, 

 and brilliant hues of the feathered race, in that continent, are 

 strongly counter balanced by their harsh, monstrous, and dis- 

 agreeable tones. The mocking-bird, however, is represented as 

 the most melodious of all birds, the nightingale itself not excepted. 

 To the charms of its natural song it adds the wonderful faculty of 



