THE ROCK THRTTSH. 3,53 



requires the same food as the Nightingale ; but is subject to 

 the disease which is fatal to many of the Whitethroats. 

 After six months, or less, the feathers drop off, are not re- 

 newed, and the bird dies of atrophy. 



Breeding. The nest of the Reed Thrush is fastened to two 

 or more reeds, by means of wool, and is constructed of lichens 

 and strong grass stalks, lined with finer stalks and hair. The 

 female lays from three to five eggs, which are greyish white, 

 spotted with olive colour and black. Before the first moult- 

 ing, the young birds are exactly like the Fauvette, and are 

 spotted on the breast with black. Their cry is like that of the 

 Mountain Finch, but, if taken from the nest when quite young, 

 reared on ants' eggs, and put under the instruction of a good 

 Nightingale, they become incomparable singers. 



Mode of Taking. The difficulty of taking these birds makes 

 them scarce in our aviaries. The only successful method, ex- 

 cept the barbarous one of liming their nests, is to mark some 

 spot which they frequent, scratch up the earth, and set limed 

 twigs, baited with meal-worms. 



Attractive Qualities. The male has an exceedingly loud and 

 beautiful voice. Its song is more various and flute-like than 

 that of the Song Thrush, though not equal to that of the Night- 

 ingale, with which it has sometimes been compared. In manv 

 passages it resembles that of the Black Cap, though, as is the 

 case with all the Thrushes, not so sustained. It usually 

 sings at night and morning, and while singing, keeps evi- 

 dently from pleasure not only its throat, but also its whole 

 body in motion. 



144. THE HOCK THRUSH. 



Turdus Saxatilis, LIN. Merle de Roche^^u. Die Steindrossel, BECH. 

 Description. This bird is but seldom seen in confinement 

 in Central and Northern Germany, though better deserving the 

 amateur's care than many foreign species. In several parts of 

 Germany it is all but unknown, and if ever taken by the bird- 

 catcher, it is mistaken, especially the female, for a large 

 Redstart. It is about the size of a Redwing Thrush ; being 

 seven inches and six lines long, of which the tail measures 

 two inches and three-quarters. In appearance and habits, it 

 is more like a Starling (especially in its gestures and move- 

 ments, which are remarkably various and amusing) than a 



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