32 BIRDS OF MIDDLESEX. 



Thrushes that we have put up in crossing a turnip- 

 field. Sometimes twenty or thirty have appeared in 

 this way, and although they did not rise en masse, 

 still there were often a dozen or more on the wing 

 at once ; and, as they were all in the same field, we 

 may, I think with propriety, speak of them as a 

 flock. From this circumstance I am inclined to 

 believe that Thrushes are partially migratory, moving 

 southwards at the approach of winter. 



REDWING, Turdus iliacus. A regular winter visi- 

 tant, appearing ahout the second week of October, 

 generally before the Fieldfare, and, as far as I have 

 been able to observe, retiring before that species. 

 It is easily distinguishable from the Common 

 Thrush by the rufous colour of the sides, and par- 

 ticularly by the yellowish-white line over the eye. 

 By means of the latter mark, I have with a good 

 glass distinguished Redwings from Thrushes while 

 feeding under a hedge at the distance of two fields 

 from me. Great diversity of opinion appears to 

 exist as to whether the Redwing sings in England, 

 or not ; but I cannot help thinking that the solution 

 of the difficulty depends entirely upon the definition 

 of the word " singing." What constitutes a song ? 

 The Rev. A. Matthews is as positive that he has 

 heard a Redwing sing, as Mr. Doubleday and 

 others * are certain that this bird does not sing in 



* Zoologist,' pp. 8946, 9040, 9104, 9106, &c. 



