66 
THE LANGUAGE OF BIRDS. 
which is not quite so large in the body as the former ; 
its length is the same, but the head is very small, and 
the crown neai'ly straight with the bill. It is called 
the Solitary Thrush {turdus-solitarius), from its being 
always seen alone, except in breeding-time. Its 
usual haunts are mountainous and rocky places, 
building its nest in church towers and old ruins. 
The hen lays from five to six eggs, and so much is it 
averse to society, that two nests never have been 
found together. The solitary thrush is common in 
France, Italy, the Mediterranean, and Archipelago. 
The young may be easily reared ; and to those per- 
sons who are fond of birds, the melody of its rich 
full voice amply repays them for their trouble, as the 
song of that bird may be considered one of our sweet- 
est native melodies. In addition to which, they may 
be taught to whistle tunes, and it is even said to arti- 
culate words. 
When caged, this species sings as well by candle 
as by day light. Like many of our fashionable folks, 
it changes its abode with the seasons — coming into 
those parts where it breeds in April, and retiring in 
August. 
