MERULTD^ 
night, as at such times they have been observed to alight 
in the morning' in a state of much exhaustion, as if from 
a lengthened flight. Tall havthorn-trees are frequently cho¬ 
sen for a resting-place after their journey ; on these they 
may be seen to rest in great numbers, making at the same 
time a loud chattering noise. 
They may be easily approached, and consequently fall 
a ready prey; and their flesh is very delicious. The cause 
of the tameness, or unconsciousness of danger, which this 
species exhibits, may be traced to their northern origin, being 
chiefly reared in uninhabited wildernesses and forests, where 
human enemies, at least, are rarely met with, and are, con¬ 
sequently seen without apprehension. 
These birds have some notes by which their presence is 
frequently betrayed ; these sound much like the touch of 
steel upon a grinding Avheel. Redwings may easily be pre¬ 
served alive if kept in a large aviary, and soon become tame 
and sociable; they are lively and clean, but it is to be 
presumed that they do not exert, when caged, the powers 
of singing that they are said so eminently to display in a 
wild state, since Bechstein, who speaks of keeping them for 
several years in conflnement, does not appear at all con¬ 
scious of their vocal powers, which have, on the other hand, 
been so much admired by persons who have heard these 
birds to advantage among their native Avoods during the 
summer season. 
While in this country, their food is observed to consist 
of Avorms, slugs, beetles, and other insects and their larvae, 
Avhich they seek in Avoods and moist places, and in Ioav 
meadow-lands, where they may be observed carefully seeking 
for them among the fallen leaves; they also eat berries 
occasionally. 
The RedAving is more tender than the other species of 
migratory thrushes ; and on the first approach of severe Avea- 
