THE BLACKBIRD. 



Turdus merula, Linnaeus. 

 Plate 2. 



This handsome species, with velvety-black plumage and "orange-tawny bill," is 

 to be found in almost every garden and shrubbery throughout our islands. It is 

 also widely distributed in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The nest, made of grasses, 

 twigs, moss, and leaves, with a layer of mud, is lined with grass and placed in some 

 bush or hedge. The eggs, varying in number from four to six, are bluish-green, 

 freckled with reddish-brown. 



The fine melodious notes of the Blackbird, begun early in the year, especially 

 if the weather be mild, are continued through the greater part of the summer. 



At times he is a good mimic, and will imitate the voices of other birds. I have 

 heard one, which haunted a garden, finish off his own familiar song with some of 

 the musical notes of the Australian Piping Crow, learned from some captive birds 

 in an aviary near by. 



The Blackbird is an early riser, and leaves the shelter of the hedgerows and 

 bushes at the first streak of dawn, to seek the worms, grubs, and insects which are 

 its principal food, although in late summer and autumn various fruits and berries 

 are consumed. 



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9 



B 



