BRITISH BIRDS. 123 



eggs of a greenish blue, marked with reddish spots. 

 The nest is made of moss, leaves, &c., lined with 

 dry grass, and strengthened on the outside with 

 small twigs. This species begins to sing early, 

 often on the turn of the year in blowing showery 

 weather, whence, in some places it is called the 

 Stormcock. Its note of anger is very loud and 

 harsh, between a chatter and shriek, which accounts 

 for some of its names. It feeds on various kinds 

 of berries, particularly those of the mountain ash, 

 and the mistletoe. It was formerly believed that 

 the latter plant was only propagated by the seed 

 Avhich passed the digestive organs of this bird, 

 whence arose the proverb " T'urdus uialum sibi 

 cdcnf ;" it likewise feeds on caterpillars and insects, 

 with which it also feeds its young. This bird is 

 found in various parts of Europe, and is said to 

 be migratory in some places, but continues in 

 England the whole year, and frequently has two 

 broods. 



