BLACKBIRD. 
25 
LVSESSORES. 
DENTIROSTRES. MERULIDM. 
PLATE LI. 
BLACKBIRD. 
Merula vulgaris. 
More sliy tlian the missel and song tluaisli, the Black¬ 
bird, although a frequenter of gardens and orchards, is gene¬ 
rally only seen in the act of flight, hurrying with guilty 
haste to escape from observation, conscious perhaps of some 
deed of pilfering in which it has just been engaged ; for 
with all our partiality for this delightful singer, we must 
acknowledge that our cherries, currants, and raspberries have 
not a more determined enemy. As soon as it is light these 
pilferers commence their work, delighting us, however, at 
intervals, as if to make amends, with their sweet melody. 
Shy in its disposition and solitary in its habits, this bird 
conceals itself in thickets, brushwood, and clumps of ever¬ 
greens, Avhich its short wings enable it to thread with ease 
and celerity. Moist woods, and tangled copses by the 
river side, or, in winter, springy places are much sought 
for, as affording worms, slugs, and other ground insects, in 
which this bird delights. Whenever it ventures from the 
shelter of these retired spots it flies with haste and pre¬ 
cipitation ; and its colouring is so out of harmony with all 
surrounding objects as to render it of conspicuous appear¬ 
ance. In a snow-scene only is its shining black plumage 
seen to advantage, there it is truly picturesque. When 
