BLACKBIED. 197 



cultivated in preference to the more wild parts of the country, 

 and in winter it draws nearer to the neighbourhood of houses 

 and towns, according to the state of the weather, but generally 

 keeps beneath the sheltering protection of trees, hedges, or 

 bushes, among which it hops with singular celerity if pursued, 

 its presence being often only known on hearing its note of 

 alarm. 



About the beginning of November, very large flocks arrive 

 on the north-eastern coasts from more northern countries, and, 

 after recruiting their strength for a few days, wing their way 

 to the south and west. 



In its habits it is restless, shy, and vigilant, and if alarmed 

 or disturbed, either lies close till the danger is past, or sud- 

 denly takes wing with a vociferous chattering cry; if in the 

 breeding-season, its partner soon shares its flight. It is most 

 seen in the morning and evening, following its avocations in 

 a more retired manner in the middle of the day. It is rather 

 of a pugnacious disposition, and especially jealous in the spring 

 of the approach of others to the spot selected for its nest. 

 It is easily kept in confinement, but is fond of attacking and 

 teasing its companions, if placed in an aviary in company 

 with other birds. The male and female are frequently seen 

 together in winter, it is believed that, at all events in many 

 instances, they pair for life; the members of the family do 

 not keep together long after the young are able to fly, and 

 though three or four Blackbirds may often be seen near 

 together for a short time in the same locality, it is a mere 

 community of object, and none of natural feeling, that has 

 brought them into neighbourhood; neither do they consort 

 with other species. They are very good birds to eat. 



A very young Blackbird, says Mr. Jesse, was put into a 

 cage which was hung up under the porch of a lodge: after the 

 bird had become reconciled to its confinement, and had begun 

 to feed, an older Blackbird was caught and put into the 

 same cage. This old bird moped, and refused to feed itself, 

 and would probably have died, had not the younger brought 

 it food in its bill, and in every respect treated it as if it had 

 been its mother, nourishing it with the greatest perseverance 

 for some time. Again, a cat was observed on the top of a 

 paled fence, endeavouring to get at a Blackbird's nest which 

 was near it; the hen left the nest on her approach, flew to 

 meet her in a state of great alarm, and placed herself almost 

 within her reach, uttering the most piteous screams of wildness 



