REDWING. 
87 
tint, but still keeping their general distribution 
and varieties with the head, or head and neck 
white or pale gray, are mentioned by Dr Latham. 
There seems little difference in the colours of 
the sexes. 
Redwing Merula Iliaca, The Redwing, 
Turdus iliaca,Linn. — Redwing of British authors. 
Is another of our migratory thrushes, visiting us, 
like the former, in winter, and returning to nearly 
the same latitudes to breed and spend the summer. 
It arrives on our shores, however, at a much 
earlier period than the fieldfare, being often seen 
in small parties towards the beginning of 
October, when, after quitting the coast, we have 
generally first observed it about the sub-alpine 
glens, partially clothed with hawthorn and brush, 
now comparatively tame, and seeking the shelter 
rather than attempting to escape by flight. With 
the advance of the season, it also gradually draw’s 
towards the lower grounds, feeding on the hedges, 
mountain ash, &c. and frequenting one locality until 
it has plundered and devoured the whole crop of 
berries. They are now wary, and can scarcely 
be approached openly, but still are not so watch- 
fully alert as the fieldfare ; their alarm cry is a 
shrill whistle, and, during their winter visit, they 
give utterance to no more melodious note. When 
the wild berries fail, they betake themselves to 
the low meadows or upland pastures, as the 
weather is severe or mild j and, on the return 
