32 MERULIN.E. 



hibits more timidity ; and as it has never remained in any 

 authenticated instance, for the purpose of nidification, we 

 have no opportunity of hearing that exquisite melody which 

 has obtained for it the proud appellation the " nightingale 

 of Norway." 



Whether its melody was admired by the ancients we know 

 not ; but it is certain, its flesh was held in great estimation. 

 As we are told, the Romans kept great numbers in aviaries, 

 feeding them upon bruised figs and flour to improve their 

 flavour, and consequently sold at a high price, their ave- 

 rage value being about three denarii, or two shillings sterling 

 each. 



Habitat Northern Europe. 



SPECIES 31 THE FIELDFARE. 



Turdus pilaris. Linn. 



Merle litorne. Temm. 

 Blue felt. Big felt. Feltyfare. 



THIS beautifully plumaged species, like the redwing, is only a 

 winter visitant to our shores, and occurs in smaller numbers 

 than any of our migratory thrushes. On their arrival, gene- 

 rally in October, they form into large flocks, and, apparently 

 more wary than either the redwing or missel thrush, give the 

 preference to the open field, where they are usually seen feeding 

 and resting, adopting, for preservation's sake, the motto, 

 44 A fair field and no favour," with the reverse of which u A 

 field fare and no favour" they seem to be equally well ac- 

 quainted, as they are most difficult of approach ; so much so, 

 that sentinels are placed on any lofty trees in the vicinity to 

 give instant tidings of the approach of their enemy, man. 



The most watchful of the thrushes, it is also the most silent, 

 as, with the exception of occasional bickerings whilst feeding, 

 it remains in silence, and this fact doubtless drew Woods - 

 worth's attention when he remarked : 



" The fieldfare's pensive flock." 



From observing, in the month of June, an adult female which 

 had been shot on the island of Lambay by A. Carmichael, 

 Esq., we conclude the species may in some rare instances re- 

 main and breed. 



Habitat Northern Europe. 



