IL'S 



VERTEBRATA. 





THE SONG THKUSH. 



vigorous, and oft repeated; it also imitates the notes of otlier birds, sometimes crowing like the 

 cock, or taking up parts of the song of the nightingale. It is often kept in cages, but is most ad- 

 mired when at liberty in the open air. 



The Song Thrush or Throstle, T. musicus — the Mavis of the Scotch, and often alluded to in 

 Scottish vei-se ; the Gr'>vc of the French; Tordo of the Italians; and Sine/ Drossel of the Ger- 

 mans — is found in every part of Europe, haunting the gardens and the woods and meadows, es- 

 pecially near streams, and everywhere admired for its charming song. It feeds on worms, insects, 

 snails, and fruits. The nest is made of green moss externally, mixed with fine root-fibers; 

 it is lined within with cow-dung and decayed wood, the lining forming a cement so perfectly 

 spread that it will hold water ; eggs are four or five, of a light blue, the larger end haNnng a few 

 small black specks or spots; the first hatch generally comes forth in April; there are generally 

 two broods in the year; both the cock and the hen sit, but the former less than the latter ; the 

 male often feedinsf his mate on the nest. A hollv, a thick bush, a dense and somewhat hish 

 shrub, or a fir, is usually selected; but the bird has been known to breed in an open shed. It is 

 frequently kej^t in cages, and is taught to perform various simple airs. 



THE RED-WING THRrSH. 



The Ring Ousel, T. torqnatus, resembles the preceding, though it is a trifle larger; the color 

 is black, with a crescent-shaped mark of pure white across the chest. It is a good singer, builds 

 on or near the ground, lays four or five eggs, and sometimes flies in small flocks. It is a winter 

 visitor from the north to the south of Europe. 



