5*22 CLASS AVES. 



The Song-Thrush {Tardus Musicus.) This bird is well 

 known among us, and is one of the commonest species in the 

 wine-countries in France ; its flesh is the most delicate of any. 

 It frequents the vineyards when the grapes are ripe, disappears 

 after the vintage, and makes it appearance again in March or 

 April. All the birds of this species, however, do not migrate; 

 they are sometimes seen in winter in our climates, but few in 

 number. They approach habitations and sojourn in hedges ; 

 but as soon as the spring expands its genial influence, they 

 retire into the woods, and announce the return of this delightful 

 season by their varied song. Accordingly, both here and in 

 many other countries, they are called song-thrushes, or some 

 equivalent name. The male usually perches on the summit 

 of some lofty tree, on a thick branch, and remains singing there 

 for entire hours. It continues its notes from the early days of 

 spring to the month of August and sometimes later ; it is often 

 heard with us as early as February. At other times these 

 thrushes have only a little whistling note, which may be 

 expressed by the syllables zipp, zipp. In flying away, they 

 particularly utter this cry, Avhich may be perfectly imitated by 

 placing the end of the finger in the mouth, pressing it strongly 

 with the lips, and drawing it quickly away. In this manner 

 they are driven into snares, and attracted within reach of gun- 

 shot. 



This thrush makes its nest in bushes, and sometimes on 

 a branch of a tree against the trunk, about ten or a dozen feet 

 high : the exterior is composed of dry herbs and moss, and the 

 interior of straws, cemented with clay and rotten wood. The 

 eggs are five or six in number, of a pale blue, with a slight 

 greenish cast, and some reddish and black spots. The male 

 and female share the incubation. After the first brood is 

 hatched, the latter recommences a second, and sometimes even 

 a third, especially when the first has not thriven. Each brood 

 goes separately, and the little ones disperse Avhen they are 

 strong enough to take care of themselves. These thrushes do 



