BRITISH BIRDS. 
19 
high bushes, and lays four or five eggs of a greenish 
blue colour, marked with red spots. The nest is made 
of moss, leaves, &c. lined with dry grass, and strength- 
ened on the outside with small twigs. This species 
begins to sing early, often on the turn of the year in 
blowing showery weather, whence, in some places it is 
called the Storm-cock. Its note of anger is very loud 
and harsh, between a chatter and a shriek, which ac- 
counts for some of its names. It feeds on various 
kinds of berries, particularly those of the mountain 
ash, and the misletoe. It was formerly believed that 
the latter plant was only propagated by the seed which 
passed the digestive organs of this bird, whence arose 
the proverb £C Turdus malum sibi cacat /’ it likewise 
feeds on caterpillars and various kinds of insects, with 
which it also feeds its young. This bird is found in 
various parts of Europe, and is said to be migratory in 
some places, but continues in England the whole year, 
and frequently has two broods. 
