282 INSECTI VOILE. 



with very obscure dusky markings. But, as is the case with 

 most birds that frequent cultivated districts, the colour both 

 of the birds and eggs is subject to variety. 



The blackbird sings early ; and though there is not nearly 

 so much spirit and variety in his song as in that of the thrush, 

 it is soft and clear, and has a sort of flute-like tone, which 

 makes a pleasant variety among the number of more sharp and 

 trilling voices. There are usually two and frequently three 

 broods of blackbirds in the year ; and thus the song continues 

 through a great part of the season, though it is not heard so 

 continually, so long at a time, or from so lofty a perch, as that 

 of the thrush. Notwithstanding its solitary and hiding habits, 

 the blackbird is more easily tamed and more patient of 

 restraint than the thrush. 



THE RING-THRUSH (Turdus torquatus.) 



The ring-thrush is a very beautiful bird, half an inch shorter 

 than the blackbird, but having about the same extent of wings 

 and nearly the same weight. It is much more firm and dom- 

 pact in the fore part, and altogether better formed for long 

 flight, or for contending with the weather, though not nearly 

 so well for gliding through bushes. 



The figure on the opposite plate, which is one-third of the 

 lineal dimensions, will give an idea of the form, general 

 colours, and expression, of this bird. It may not, however, 

 be amiss to remark, that the grey on the edges of the fea- 

 thers above, and also on the greater wing-coverts, varies con- 

 siderably in different individuals, and also at different ages 

 and seasons. The pure white gorget is always a character of 

 the mature males. The young males have it reddish ; the old 

 females clouded with brown and grey, and in the young 

 females it is barely visible. 



The ring-thrush is a summer migrant, arriving in Britain 

 in the spring, rearing its broods in the wilds, and disappearing 



