44 THE BIRDS OF SUSSEX. 



TTJRDID^. 



MISTLETOE THRUSH. 



Turdus viscivorus. 



This species, though not so abundant as some of its con- 

 geners, is generally diffused throughout the county, frequent- 

 ing the small copses and open pastures where there are high 

 trees. 



It is generally known here as the " Screech ;" and, from 

 its habit of persistently singing from the top of some lofty 

 tree, during a heavy storm of wind and rain, it is also fre- 

 quently called the Storm Cock, also the Holm Thrush, from 

 its partiality to the holly or Ao/m-bush, for the sake of its 

 berries. Although it may be considered a very wild bird at 

 all other seasons, yet in the spring time it becomes exceed- 

 ingly bold, and enters our gardens and orchards, where it 

 builds its nest in the most conspicuous places, and in its 

 defence will fearlessly attack, and generally drive ofE, every 

 bird, of whatever size, which may presume to approach it. 

 Then, after it and its family have enjoyed the fruit, particu- 

 larly cherries, and the protection of our gardens, the little 

 party betake themselves to the open country, and even to 

 the bare downs, till, on the approach of winter and hard 

 weather, they assemble in flocks, and resort to the berry- 

 bearing trees, more particularly to the holly, the mountain 

 ash, and the haw, oq which fare they become exceedingly 

 plump, and, being by no means bad. for the table, are much 

 persecuted by juvenile gunners. 



This species receives large accessions from the continent 

 in the autumn. I may add that Gilbert White says, "The 

 Magpies, when they have young, destroy the broods of 



