158 DICTIONARY OF NAMES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 
however is used by the latter as an equivalent of “ Mistle ” 
(or Mistletoe), is evident from the remark (p. 187) that 
it “‘ feeds in winter upon Holly berries, but feeds the young 
upon ‘ Misselto’ berries.” Aristotle mentions this species 
also under the name of viscivorous, “‘ since it feeds on 
naught but mistletoe and gum.” Albin (1738) spells it 
‘“ Mizzel-bird,” perhaps erroneously. Pennant (1766) says 
that “the ancients believed that the misseltoe could not be 
propagated but by the berries that bad passed through the 
body of this bird.” Newton (Yarrell, 4th ed., 1, p. 620) 
says the bird “derives its name from feeding on Mistletoe 
berries, a fact known to Aristotle,’ and says the name 
should be Mistletoe Thrush, not Missel Thrush. The 
spelling Missel Thrush seems to be due to a want of know- 
ledge of the mis-spelling of the plant’s name. Skeat also 
says the name is from its feeding on the berries of the 
mistletoe, which he derives from A.Sax. miste/, a dim. of mist, 
and tan, a twig, but Lees (‘ Botanical Looker-out,’? 1842) 
suggests Old. Eng. mistion, defined by Johnson as “‘the state 
of being mingled,” and Old. Eng. tod or ioe, a bush, i.e. “‘ min- 
gled bush,” an allusion to its parasitic nature. As is well. 
known, the mistletoe was held sacred by the Druids. Its 
growth was ascribed to seeds transplanted from one tree to 
another by this bird. Another derivation is that given by 
Prior (‘‘ Popular Names of Brit. Plants ”’), who says thatit is 
from “ A.Sax. mistiltan, from mistl, different, and tan, twig, 
being so unlike the tree it grows upon.” The Mistle-Thrush 
is supposed in some localities to sing particularly loud and 
long before rain (see Storm-cock). 
Mirry. A Shetland name for the STORM-PETREL. Mr. 
Robert Godfrey tells me he has heard it used in Fethaland 
and thinks it may be a contraction of “ Alamouti’”’ (q.v.). 
Swainson has “ Mitty.” 
MITHER 0? THE MAWKINS: The LITTLE GREBE (Stirling), 
i.e. “‘ Mother o’ the hares,” signifying a witch or uncanny 
person, from its diving capabilities (Swainson). 
Mizzty Dick: The MISTLE-THRUSH. (Northumberland.) 
Moat Hen: The MOORHEN (q.v.). 
Mocurum Evprers: The CORMORANT. (Wigtown.) From 
a loch of that name. 
Mock Nicutincate: The BLACKCAP (Norfolk); the 
SEDGE-WARBLER (North Yorkshire). 
Mouenek. A Cornish name for the GOLDFINCH. 
Moitit Hern: The HERON. (Midlands.) 
