272 



PASSERjKS. 



TURDIDJU 



TURD I DM. 



TURDUS PILARIS, Linnaeus.* 



THE FIELDFAKE. 



Turdus pilaris. 



THE FIELDFARE is a well-known migratory Thrusli coming 

 to us from the north-east, and usually arriving towards the 

 end of October, but sometimes so early as September ; its 

 appearance partly depending on the temperature of the 

 season. It is generally seen in large flocks, which, if the 

 weather continues open and mild, spread over the fields, and 

 especially pasture-lands, in search of worms, slugs and the 

 larvae of insects ; but on the occurrence of snow or frost, the 

 birds take to the hedges, and feed on haws and various ber- 

 ries f, or, failing them, even on turnips. At this time they 

 are shy and difficult to approach : the whole flock, taking 

 wing and keeping together, settle by scores on some distant 



* Sysfc. Nat. Ed. 12, i. p. 291 (1766). 



f In Germany they are supposed to be extremely partial to the berries of the 

 juniper, and hence receive their common name in that country. 



