184 



THE SONG THRUSH. 



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WAGTAILS . 



buoyant, and graceful ; but there is nothing attractive in 

 their song. 



We come to the notable family of the Thrushes, which 

 includes seven British species. All are birds of good size ; 

 seek their food in gardens, fields, and pastures ; and retire 

 to roost in the quiet shades of the woods and thickets. 



High among Nature's minstrels must be placed the 

 glorious Song Thrush, or Mavis — ranking next to the 

 nightingale and lark. A native of all Temperate Europe, 

 it is resident throughout the year in the less inclement 

 regions. Its song possesses, in a remarkable degree, the 

 three great qualities of variety, power, and timbre, or 

 quahty of tone. Moreover, it is continued through a 

 large portion of the year ; beginning early in spring, and 

 continuing until the time of the sere and yellow leaf. It 

 feeds on worms, insects, fruit, berries, and various species 



