252 THE BIRDS OF HELIGOLAND 



and the nets had long since been removed from the throstle- 

 bushes. Consequently, this bird with its beautiful collar of black 

 velvet failed to obtain the honour of a prominent place in the 

 select circle of my cabinet. 



The breeding range of this species lies chiefly in western Asia. 

 Sewertzoff met with it nesting abundantly in Turkestan ; Dybowsky 

 less numerously during its migration in Dauuria. 



76. Ring Ousel [RINGDROSSEL]. 

 TURDUS TORQUATUS, Linn. 



Heligolandish : Kringelt-Troossel = .firag'-T/i.rs/i,. 



Turdits torquatus. Naumann, ii. 318. 



Ring-Oiisel. Dresser, ii. 91. 



Merle plastron. Temminck, Manuel, i. 166, iii. 89. 



As already mentioned, this Thrush is, of all the species occurring 

 here, the most in demand by the local fowlers ; unfortunately it 

 appears in but limited numbers, while its late arrival in the spring 

 announces the approaching end of the thrush-catching season. Its 

 migration lasts from the middle of April until the middle of May, and 

 is dependent on warm weather, with east or south-easterly winds ; 

 the return passage takes place in September. 



This Thrush, also, has a liking for associating itself with com- 

 panies of individuals of its own species, especially when on the wing, 

 and very readily follows the lure-call of another bird of its species. 

 This social inclination is of advantage to the fowler ; for though 

 only one Ring Ousel may happen to get into the throstle-bush, 

 its call lures all the members of any flock that happens to be wheel- 

 ing about at the time to precipitate themselves forthwith into the 

 bush. Thus, on one occasion, a thrush catcher had the unexampled 

 good fortune to take seventy-three of these splendid birds in one 

 ' rush,' in the garden now belonging to me. In general, from ten 

 to twelve examples are considered a sufficiently enviable catch. 



The Ring Ousels frequent by preference the grassy places near 

 the edge of the cliff, and the upper portions of its face. 



Quite contrary to Naumann's statement, however, in regard to 

 these birds, viz. that ' they are not shy, but confiding one might 

 indeed say stupid' they are here, next to the Missel Thrush, the 

 shyest and most cunning of all the Thrushes, and can be approached 

 with a gun only under the most favourable conditions. 



The Ring Ousel breeds throughout the whole of Europe from 

 Spain to the Ural. 



