THE BLACKBIRD, or MERLE. 



TURDUS MERULA, LlNN. 



This is one of the largest of our song birds. 

 The male, as is well known, is wholly of a deep 

 black when it has attained maturity, which is not 

 till after its second moult, or towards the spring of 

 its second year, at which time the bill and orbits 

 of the eyes are yellow. Its form and also its 

 plumage are remarkable for compactness ; and it 

 is very quick-sighted and lively in its motions. 



The song of the Blackbird has much less variety, 

 compass, and spirit than that of the Thrush. He 

 commences his song with the morning light, and 

 continues it from hour to hour without effort ; its 

 deep-toned, clear, and sonorous notes being heard 

 at a considerable distance. 



When snowdrops die, and the green primrose leaves 

 Announce the coming flower, the Merle's note, 

 Mellifluous, rich, deep-toned, fills all the vale, 

 And charms the ravish'd ear. The hawthorn bush 

 New-budded is his perch ; there the grey dawn 

 He hails, and there with parting light concludes 

 His melody.* 



The Merle is a solitary bird, and fond of retire- 

 ment ; yet it does not altogether shun the dwellings 

 of man, for it nestles close to his house. 



* Grahame. 



