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break it to pieces, and swallow it, then stand again, and thus continue until satiated or put to 

 flight. In this manner, which is precisely that of the Fieldfare and Common Thrush, they con- 

 tinue feeding for hours, unless disturbed, generally keeping at a considerable distance from each 

 other, so that two can very seldom be shot at once. They are extremely vigilant ; and the moment 

 one is alarmed it emits a low churr, which is repeated by the rest, when they either fly to the 

 trees in the neighbourhood, or flit to a distant field. In an open place, they hardly consider 

 themselves safe at the distance of two hundred yards ; and although they remain while a person 

 passes them, they fly off if he stands to watch them. When perched on trees they seldom allow 

 a nearer approach than a hundred yards. If they are feeding near a low wall, you may occa- 

 sionally obtain a shot by going to the place and suddenly starting up, but you have little chance 

 of catching them unawares by slowly raising your head and gun between the stones. I once shot 

 a fine specimen in a field near Edinburgh, through a hole at the bottom of a wall, just as, having 

 observed me, it was about to fly off. 



" The Missel Thrush, during winter and spring, is thus more vigilant and suspicious than 

 even the Fieldfare, and, for this reason, as well as because it is much rarer, is seldom shot. It 

 sometimes associates with that species in the fields, but rarely flies with it. Its flight, which is 

 rather heavy, is performed by a series of flappings, with short intervals of cessation, like that of 

 the Fieldfare, and has very little undulation. On occasion, however, it becomes rapid ; and 

 when at full speed, a Missel Thrush bears a considerable resemblance to a Sparrow-Hawk or 

 Merlin ; and small birds are sometimes seen pursuing it as they are wont to fly after a bird of 

 prey. It is seldom that the individuals of a flock fly low or close together. While proceeding, 

 they now and then utter a low scream ; and when they find an eligible place, they either alight 

 abruptly at a distance from each other, or fly over the field for some time. 



" The song of this bird resembles that of the Blackbird ; but its notes are less mellow and 

 modulated, although equally loud. It commences very early in spring, or even in winter, when 

 the weather is fine, and is continued until the middle of summer ; but, as the species is compara- 

 tively scarce in most parts, it is seldom heard — and when it is, is usually mistaken for that of the 

 Blackbird or Song Thrush. Several individuals have heard it sing when flying from one place to 

 another ; but on such occasions I have only heard it utter its harsh scream. 



" The flocks break up in March ; and about the end of that month, or towards the middle of 

 April, the different pairs commence their building-operations, selecting a natural wood, a plan- 

 tation, or frequently an orchard, for their summer residence, whence they make excursions into 

 the neighbouring fields and gardens. The nest, Avhich is placed in the fork of a tree, or on a 

 branch, generally at an inconsiderable height, is very bulky, and more rudely constructed than 

 that of the other species which build with us. It is composed externally of twigs, straws, and 

 grasses of various kinds, intermixed with leaves and mosses ; within this is a rudely formed cup 

 of mud, generally in pellets, mixed with grass or fibrous roots. The interior is a more carefully 

 arranged layer of finer grasses, roots, and moss, or frequently of grass alone. Sometimes the 

 exterior is partially covered with grey lichens and mosses ; but at other times it is similar to that 

 of the Blackbird's nest. The internal diameter of one now before me is four and a half inches, 

 its depth two and three-fourths, and the thickness of its walls an inch and three quarters. The 

 eggs, usually four, or from three to five, are of a regular oblongo-oval form, an inch and three 



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