76 
THE MISSEL-THRUSH. 
The Missel-Thrush — Merula viscivora. 
— Turdus viscivtrrus, Linn. — Merula viscivora, 
Selby . — Merle draine, Temm. — Missel- Thrush 
of British authors. — The Missel-Thrush is at 
the present time pretty generally distributed 
over England and the southern portion of 
Scotland, living in the latter in pairs, in the 
richer woodland parts ; yet neither so abundant, 
nor prevailing so equally and indiscriminately, 
as the common Song Thrush or Blackbird. We 
would consider it naturally a forest bird, but 
here it also frequents the borders of the wood, 
or the orchards and gardens situated in a well- 
clothed district. We believe that in England, 
and particularly in the northern counties, it has 
increased in abundance ; and in its Scotch locali- 
ties, within the last fifteen years, it has, from being 
a rare bird, become one of frequent occurrence. 
Out of Europe, it extends to Asia, and we 
possess specimens from the Himalayan range, 
varying in no respect. They pair very early, and 
the male begins to attempt his song often ere the 
winter’s storm has commenced ; this year (1839) 
he was heard warbling his low and pensive notes 
so early as 5th January. During the whole breed- 
ing season, they are bold defenders of their terri- 
tory, suffering no intruder to approach without 
every attempt being made to defend their nest. 
Magpies and carrion crows are severe assailants, 
though both are often successfully engaged ; but 
their most troublesome enemy, where there hap- 
