CHAPTEE XXYI. 



The Ring Ouzel. 



Tardus torquatus, Lin.; Merle a plastron blanc, Buf. 



Desceiption and Chaeaoter. — The Eing Ouzel, which is 

 known by a variety of names, such as the White-breasted 

 Blackbird, the Ring Thrush, the Eock Ouzel, the Moor Black- 

 bird, &c., very much resembles the Blackbird when seen at a 

 distance, but is a larger and handsomer bird. It appears to 

 delight in hilly places, and the immediate neighbourhood of 

 well-wooded country, which is secluded, and seldom frequented 

 by human beings. It is to be met with in Wales, and at 

 Dartmoor, in Devonshire, but most frequently in Scotland. 

 In other parts it never seems to settle down. 



The Eing Ouzel is a most shy and suspicious bird, and 

 never becomes so tame and familiar as its prototype-, the 

 Blackbird. The length of the bird is llin. ; the tail measures 

 4in. The beak is Jin. in length, and horn black in colour, 

 excepting at the root of the under part of the lower mandible, 

 and the margin of the mouth, or lips, which are yellow. The 

 irides are hazel. At a distance this bird appears a dullish 

 black all over, excepting the breast ; but in closer proximity, 

 it will be observed that the feathers on the body are margined 

 with greyish white, more particularly about the breast and wing 

 coverts ; the older the bird, the broader and more distinct are 

 these markings. The pen and outer tail feathers are edged with 

 ashen grey ; across the breast, passing towards the back part 

 of the neck, like a collar, is a patch of pale chestnut white, 

 or faint reddish white, about fin. in width, and from which 



