THE SONG-THRUSH. 



Turdus musicus, Linnaeus. 

 Plate i. 



Though subject to a partial migration during the autumn months, the Song- 

 Thrush is resident and common in most parts of the British Islands. Numbers 

 of this species, however, bred in Northern Europe, visit our shores in autumn, 

 travelling mostly by night ; while many of our home-bred birds leave us at the 

 same time for the Continent, returning in spring. It breeds in Norway, thence 

 southwards throughout a great part of Europe, and across Siberia as far as Lake 

 Baikal. 



The Song-Thrush breeds early in the year, rearing more than one brood during 

 the season, and builds its nest in almost any shrub, hedge, or furze-bush. The 

 nest is skilfully constructed of dead grass-stalks, roots, &c., the cup-shaped interior 

 being lined with rotten wood and dung, which becomes quite water-tight when 

 dry. The beautiful greenish-blue eggs, spotted with black and dark brown, vary 

 in number from four to six. 



The food of the Song-Thrush consists of worms, insects, larvae, and snails, 

 varied with fruit and berries in their season. 



Its presence is often made known in the garden by a tapping sound, as it 

 batters a snail against some convenient stone, to which it will return again and 

 again with fresh victims. 



This Thrush is the Mavis of Scotland, while it is also known as Throstle in 

 many places. 



The song, composed of various loud clear notes, repeated several times in 

 succession, is continued throughout the greater part of the year, and may often be 

 heard late in the evening, until darkness sets in. 



The female is slightly smaller and paler in colour than the male. 



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