106 FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



This bird is known almost as well as the Thrush, its 

 sombre plumage and yellow beak possibly attracting the 

 attention of observers. If disturbed, it has a pecu- 

 liar habit, much more marked than in the Thrush, of 

 lying close in the hedgerow or other cover; but imme- 

 diately the danger has passed will rise suddenly, uttering 

 a frightened sort of screaming clatter, and hurry off with 

 a low flight to some more safe retreat. The general 

 flight of the bird is, however, somewhat heavy and 

 low, but at the migratory period is sustained at a con- 

 siderable height. 



Our subject is not a gregarious bird, seldom more 

 than a pair being seen in close proximity ; indeed, it is the 

 rule for them to keep separate. They generally frequent 

 hedgerows, copses, thickets, and furze, but may be often 

 found in thick shrubberies, and also in gardens. It is in 

 various positions, too, that they build their nests ; some- 

 times it will be placed in a garden or in a tree at some 

 height from the ground, yet it is generally found in a 

 hedgerow, especially if bordering upon a copse or wood; 

 they will even breed upon the stump of a tree or upon the 

 ground. Large faggot-stacks, too, are often chosen. They 

 will at times build near to dwelling-places, and, as there 

 is at such season but little vegetation, the nest is con- 

 sequently much exposed. 



The nest is built early in the spring, and is formed 

 of an outer shell of coarse roots and grasses, with the 

 mud still adhering, and as this dries it forms a strong 

 foundation ; it is lined inside with finer grasses and roots. 

 The eggs are four or five in number. 



Very many instances have been recorded of the devo- 

 tion of Blackbirds to their young, sometimes even cats 



