206 THRUSHES. 



annexed is a representation of the Puff-backed 

 Shrike ; the light downy tuft bears a close resem- 

 blance to a powder-puff; it must add either to the 

 comfort or convenience of the bird, though in what 

 way we can form no opinion. 



After the Shrikes, we find in the tables the Thrush 

 genus, (see Table YIL, page 13), of which we have 

 in England seven species : viz, 1. Missel-Thrush; 

 2 t Fieldfare; 3. Song-Thrush ; 4. Redwing; 5. Ring- 

 Ousel; 6. Blackbird ; and 7- Water-Ousel or Dipper. 



The first of these, the Missel-Thrush, is not only 

 the largest, but the finest and boldest of the family, 

 and has some claims to our esteem from its being 

 the earliest song-bird of the year ; often favouring 

 us with its notes, at a season when every other bird 

 slinks away to its hiding-place, glad to escape the 

 inclemency of the weather. In the height of a heavy 

 gale of wind, the Missel-Thrush may be seen braving 

 the blast, perched on the quivering branch of some 

 tall tree; hence it has gained the name of the Storm- 

 Cock. It is, moreover, a gallant bird : and, during 

 the breeding season, w r oe be to the Jackdaw or 

 Magpie that ventures to cast a wistful eye at its eggs; 

 nap, more, we have known it attack even a Hawk, 

 and fairly drive him from the neighbourhood. 



The Redwing and Fieldfare are but visitants. 

 Their summers are passed in far distant northern 

 regions, where they rear, unmolested and unseen by 

 man, those immense flights which frequent our fields 

 and forests in the winter season. It is generally 

 supposed that they are hardy birds; but the very 

 reverse is the case, for, in severe weather, should 

 there be a dearth of food, they are the first to suffer. 

 In hard winters, when sudden falls of snow have 



