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NEST AND EGGS OF THE RING-OUZLE. 



PLATE X. 



The nest I described was composed of many small 

 sprigs and branches of heath, mixed with moss and 

 dried stalks of plants. These were plentifully bestowed 

 on the bottom and sides of the nest, and with them 

 the figure and cavity thereof was formed ; within this 

 was a coat of plaster, composed of mud mixed with 

 small blades of grass and fibres of roots, and upon the 

 plaster was another coat of fine soft grass, which also 

 covered the brim of the nest, and was very neatly and 

 smoothly laid, as in the nest of the blackbird. 



The eggs were four in number. In size and colour 

 much like those of the blackbird, but are splashed with 

 broad spots of a red brown, by which they are at once 

 distinguished from the eggs of that bird. 



The outside of the nest was quite covered with dried 

 oaken leaves, warped or sewed to the other materials 

 with blades of grass, fibres of roots, &c. 



This nest was built on the ledge of a rock, about six 

 feet from the ground, artfully hid amongst surrounding 

 heath, mixed with fallen oaken leaves. 



The cock sings sweetly in breeding-time. His voice 

 is less loud than any of the foregoing ; but it is soft 

 and mellow, and he has a pleasing variety of warbling 

 notes. 



