194 THE SONG THRUSH 



its own district, and the male warbles his hymn to spring trout the same 

 tree wliere he had sung it the preceding year. 



In confinement this bird is lodged like the missel thrush, and is much 

 more worthy of being kept, as its voice is more beautiful, its song is more 

 varied, and being smaller it makes less dirt. 



FOOD. When wild it lives on insects and berries, like the preceding. 



In confinement, oatmeal moistened with milk is a very good food ; and 

 it requires also a great deal of fresh water, as well for bathing as drinking. 

 When taken old it is often very difficult to induce these birds to eat, and 

 the greater number die in consequence. 



BREEDING. This species generally builds on the lower branches of trees ; 

 che nest being pretty large, and formed of moss mixed with earth or cow- 

 dung. The hen lays twice a year, from three to six green eggs, speckled 

 with large and small dark brown spots. The first brood is ready to fly by 

 the end of April. The upper part of the body in the young ones is speckled 

 with "white. By taking them from the nest when half-grown they may be 

 easily reared on white bread soaked in boiled milk ; and they are easily 

 taught to perform airs. As this thrush builds by preference in the neigh- 

 bourhood of water, the nest may be easily found by seeking it in the woods 

 beside a stream, and near it the male will be heard singing. 



MODE OF TAKING. This is the same as for the preceding species and the 

 three which follow ; of all the birds for which snares are laid, those for the 

 thrush are most successful. A perch with a limed twig is the best method 

 for catching a fine-toned male. In September and October these birds may 

 also be caught in the water traps, where they repair at sunrise and sunset, 

 and sometimes so late that they cannot be seen, and the ear is the only 

 guide. When they enter the water haste must be avoided, because they 

 like to bathe in company, and assemble sometimes to the number of ten or 

 twelve at once, by means of a particular call. The first which finds a con- 

 venient stream, and wishes to go to it, cries in a tone of surprise or joy, 

 " sik, sik, sik, siki, feac, tsac, tsac ; " immediately all in the neighbour- 

 hood reply together, and repair to the place : they enter the bath however 

 with much circumspection, and seldom venture till they have seen a red- 

 breast bathe without danger ; but the first which ventures is soon followed 

 by the others, which begin to quarrel if the place is not large enough for all 

 the bathers. In order to attract them, it is a good plan to have a tame bird 

 running and fluttering on the banks of the stream. 



ATTRACTIVE QUALITIES. The song thrush is the great charm of our 

 woods, which it enlivens by the beauty of its song. The rival of the 

 nightingale, it announces in varied accents the return of spring, and con- 

 tinues its delightful notes during all the summer months, particularly at 

 morning and evening twilight. It is to procure this gratification in his 

 dwelling that the bird-fancier rears it, and deprives it of its liberty ; and 

 he thus enjoys the pleasures of the -woods in the midst of the city. With 

 care and pi operly varied food it may be preserved in captivity five or sa 

 years. 



