MISSEL THRrSH. 



an apple-tree in an orchard.* Tlie eggs are four 

 or five in number, of a flesh colour, marked with 

 deep and light rust-coloured spots. There are 

 two broods in the year. 



The male of the Missel Thrush (observes Mr. 

 Mudie, in his interesting book on British Birds,) 

 is not a mere idle songster. He takes turn with 

 his mate in the labour of incubation ; he feeds her, 

 and assists in feeding the young ; and he is equally 

 vigilant and bold in the defence of his family. 

 The call-note which he utters in case of danger, 

 and which is answered by the female as if she were 

 expressing her confidence of safety while he is on 

 the watch, is harsh and grating, and has the tone 

 of a note of defiance. And, w-ith the Missel Thrush, 

 the defiance is no idle boast ; for the sneaking 

 Magpie, the light- winged Kestrel, and even the 

 Sparrowhawk, are at those times compelled to 

 keep their distance, as the Thrush is too vigilant 

 to be surprised, and under the sprays, where those 

 birds must contend with him upon equal terms, he 

 keeps them all a# bay. Nor is he the guardian 

 of his own family only — he is in some measure the 

 warder of the whole grove ; and when the harsh 

 but shrilly sound of his bugle note of alarm is 

 heard, all the warblers take heed of the danger, 

 and the chorus is mute till he again mounts the 

 highest branch and raises the song of deliverance. 



The habits of the Missel Thrush appear to vary 

 according to circumstances ; for Temminck informs 



* Architecture of Birds. 



