MERULID^E. 47 



THE REDWING. Merula iliaca. This is another of our 

 migratory Thrushes, visiting us in the winter, and retiring 

 to nearly the same latitudes with the Fieldfare to breed and 

 spend the summer. In Norway it bears the name of Night- 

 ingale, and its melody is said to be surpassingly sweet. "The 

 nest of the Redwing/" says Mr. Hewitson, to whom we 

 again refer, " is placed, like those of the Thrush and Black- 

 bird, in the centre of a thorn or other thick bush. It is 

 similar to those of the Blackbird, Fieldfare, and Ring Ousel. 

 Outwardly it is formed of moss, roots, and dry grass ; in- 

 wardly, cemented with clay, and again lined with finer 

 grass." The eggs closely resemble those of the Blackbird, 

 but, if there is a difference in size, are rather smaller. 



THE SONG THRUSH. Merula musica. From the early 

 period of the year at which nidification commences with 

 the present species, some evergreen is often selected as the 

 site for building, where shelter and concealment are alike 

 secured. The Song Thrush frequently rears a second brood 

 in the year. The nest, a coarse structure externally, is 

 most neatly rounded and plastered within. The eggs are 

 of a clear bright blue-green, with black or blackish spots 

 more or less profusely sprinked, chiefly at the larger end. 

 These clear bright eggs are very beautiful, as, four or five in 



