THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS. 
65 
This rival of the nightingale is found in many parts 
of Europe, but we may claim it as our own dear 
English bird, remaining with us all the year, and 
enlivening us with its clear melodious notes very early 
in the spring ; and, from its singing during stormy 
weather, is in some places called the storm-cock. 
The hen usually builds in a fruit-tree, laying four or 
five eggs, in a nest composed of moss and leaves, 
lined with dry grass ; and to render it more secure, 
it is strengthened on the outside with small twigs. 
The food of the thrush consists of various berries, 
caterpillars, insects, and sometimes snails. 
The song of the thrush is by many preferred to 
that of the nightingale. It has, no doubt, more 
clearness, richness, and variety in its notes than any 
other English bird. 
There is a variety of the thrush called the Turdus- 
viscivorus (missel thrush), from its chiefly feeding, in 
the winter, on the fruit of the misseltoe ; and, from its 
harsh, screaming, loud note, when in anger, is called 
in some parts of Devonshire by the name of Holm- 
screech. 
There is also another strange variety of this bird, 
G 2 
