THRUSHES. 



47i 



the South African thrush ; this last uttering a peculiar half song, half call, as if it 

 were troubled with a cold. 



The missel-thrush (Turdus viscivorus) is found in nearly e very- 

 part of Europe at the one or other season of the year, breeding in the 

 northern regions, and wintering partially in the southern parts. It has enormously 

 increased its breeding-range in the British Isles during the present century ; and 



Missel-Thrush. 



A I'AIR OF ROCK-THRUSHES. 



in the autumn and winter months is shy and retiring, hunting the open fields in 

 flocks, which exercise extreme vigilance over their common safety. Although this 

 bird feeds principally upon worms and berries in the winter, its common name is 

 derived from its passionate fondness for the berries of the mistletoe, which are 

 rejected by the majority of small birds, even when pressed by hunger. The missel- 

 thrush pairs early in the season, and the nest is generally placed in some conspicuous 

 position. In districts where magpies are numerous it often builds its nest in a bush 



