74 
MERULIN2E, OR THRUSHES. 
The true Thrushes, in all their members, taken 
collectively and in adaptation to their general 
habits, shew considerable perfection. The parts 
are adapted for extensive locomotion, either in 
walking or perching, or during flight ; many per- 
form long migrations, and extensive flights are 
taken even in those countries where the climate 
does not render this annual removal necessary. 
They are nearly omnivorous ; a great part of their 
sustenance is sought for upon the ground, particu- 
larly during that season when insects are not in- 
dispensable for the welfare of their broods ; and 
their feet and tarsi are admirably formed for 
walking and inspecting the various places where 
their food is then chiefly to be found ; at other 
times, they live upon fruits and other vegetables, 
with the larvae of insects, and the abundant sup- 
ply of large and succulent caterpillars ; but during 
winter, the molusca and worms common to low 
meadows and moist woods, such as the various 
snails, &c. are nearly their only food ; for after 
the first month of the inclement season has passed, 
most of the winter wild fruits and berries have 
fallen from their stocks, or have been already con- 
sumed by the various tribes which subsist upon 
them. Very few of the species are quite solitary. 
During the breeding season the greater part of 
them separate into pairs ; but after the broods 
have been reared, they congregate either into 
large flocks, or in groups of five or six. Those of 
smaller numbers generally become more domestic, 
and approach dwellings and cultivated districts 
