412 BLACKBIRD. Class IL 



Descrip- The color of the male, when it has attained 

 its full age, is of a fine deep black, and the 

 bill of a bright yellow: the edges of the eye- 

 lids yellow. When young the bill is dusky, 

 and the plumage of a rusty black, so that it 

 cannot be distinguished from the female; but 

 at the age of one year it attains its proper 

 color. 



The blackbird continues in Italy the whole 

 year. 



" We can trace the blackbird as far as the 

 southern part of Spain, from whence it is said 

 alternately to visit Barbary, and in both places 

 to be numerous, though in' general it is a soli- 

 tary species. t It is a constant inhabitant here ; 

 is subject to much variety, and is found some- 

 times white and occasionally pied in different 

 degrees. When kept tame may be taught to 

 whistle tunes and imitate the human voice," 

 J. L, 



