CHAPTER XXIX. 



The Missel Thrush. 



Turdvs viscivorus, Lin.; Le Draine, Buf. 



Desceiption and Ohaeactee. — The Missel Thrush, or, as it 

 is frequently named, the Storm Cock, probably on account 

 of its singing during gusty, wet weather, with more vehemence 

 and spirit than it does on fine, calm, bright days, is, naturally, 

 a solitary bird, and inhabits those places where the mistletoe 

 abounds, which is its favourite food, and from which fact it has 

 doubtless derived its name. It is a restless, unhappy-looking 

 bird in a cage, and seldom seems to get thoroughly domesti- 

 cated, being neither so tractable or docile as the Song 

 Thrush ; neither is its song worthy of comparison with that 

 of the latter bird. When hand-reared, however, or taken 

 before it has moulted the first time, it becomes very tame, 

 and in some cases quite familiar with its owner. It is ex- 

 ceedingly pugnacious when interfered with ; so much so, that 

 it is not safe to place a newly-caught specimen in an aviary 

 with other birds, for it is easily aroused to anger, and very 

 savage in attacks, and, when excited, makes a general onslaught 

 in all directions. 



The Missel Thrush is much larger than the Song Thrush, 

 measuring llin. in length, the tail being 3 Jin. Its beak is 

 lin. long, and shaped rather differently to that of its con- 

 geners ; the upper mandible is dark blackish brown, and 

 curved downwards at the tip ; the base of the lower mandible, 

 and the gullet, are yellow. The iris encircling the pupil of 

 the eye is hazel brown. The head, back part of neck, and 



