Pocket-book of British Birds 



ORDER PASSERES. 



Family TURDID^. 



Subfamily TUEDIN^E. 



MISSEL THRUSH (Turdus visdvorus). 



Resident. Found throughout Great Britain ; less common 

 towards the North. Abundant in Ireland. 



Haunts. Woods, plantations, shady gardens, &c. 



Observation. Our largest Thrush, in appearance greyer 

 than Song Thrush. 



Plumage. Upper parts greyish olive-brown ; under parts 

 buffish white with dark fan-shaped spots ; under wing-coverts 

 white, conspicuous in flight, as are also the white tips to tail 

 feathers. Bill dark brown. Legs pale brown. Length 11 in. 

 Female rather lighter than male. Young, under parts buff, 

 which in adult become buffish white. 



Language. Song, loud, wild, disconnected, and abrupt; may 

 be heard almost throughout the winter (hence Stormcock) ; 

 when alarmed it utters angry screeches (hence Screech Thrush). 

 Call-note, " tuc," several times repeated. 

 Habits. On the ground the movements are rapid, with 

 moments of motionless attention. Flight strong but undulat- 

 ing ; when disturbed from nest it becomes extremely excited, 

 dashing wildly about, and almost buffeting the intruder with 

 its wings. Usually shy, but often assumes more temerity at 

 breeding time. 



Food. Snails, slugs, worms, insects, and their larvae. In 

 winter berries of various kinds, especially those of the moun- 

 tain-ash and holly (hence Holm-screech), and mistletoe (hence 

 Mistletoe Thrush). Small soft fruits in season. 

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