White's Thrush 



been obtained in about eight or nine counties of England, 

 and on three occasions in Ireland. 



Young Missel Thrushes have been frequently recorded 

 as belonging to this species. White's Thrush may, however, 

 always be distinguished by having fourteen tail feathers 

 instead of twelve, and the under side of the wing, which in 

 the Missel Thrush is pure white, has in this species a broad 

 black bar across the centre. 



Its summer home lies across Siberia, east of the Yenesei, 

 through Northern China and Japan, whence it migrates in 

 winter to South China and the Philippines. 



THE BLACKBIRD 



Turdus merula, Linnaeus 



Mingling with the Song Thrushes on the lawn, but 

 always recognisable by his much longer tail and darker 

 colour, we may at all times of the year see the Blackbird. 

 He is hardly so familiar as his neighbour the Thrush, and 

 prefers to keep near the shrubbery, where, on the least sign 

 of real or imaginary danger, he may retire, and by remain- 

 ing motionless be secure from observation ; but if we follow 

 him, and approach too near, he will fly away, uttering his loud 

 alarm-note of " Cluck, cluck ! " He will not be long away, 

 however, and if we remain quiet he will soon be back again, 

 crossing the lawn with long, measured hops, stopping now and 

 again to look round and to spread and " flirt " his broad fan- 

 shaped tail. The Missel Thrush will be sitting on the eggs, and 



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