28 
CAGE-BIRDS. 
are paler, and the red on the breast is wanting, as well as on the rump, 
except in very old birds, which have a slight tinge in these places. The 
males of the first year also want the red breast, but they may be distin¬ 
guished from the adult hens by the rusty yellow markings and a darker 
brown on the back. 
In consequence of their docility, they have been taught to perform a great 
many tricks, to come and go at command, to draw up water, go up a ladder, 
to fall down as if dead, &c. Their food is rape and canary-seed, and they 
are fond of groundsel, plantain, and seeded chickweed; they may also be 
occasionally treated with a few grains of hempseed. 
THE EUROPEAN BLACKBIRD. 
Being a permanent resident throughout the whole of the Old World, even 
as far'north as Sweden, the European blackbird is sufficiently hardy by 
nature to withstand the climate cf nearly, if not all parts of the United 
States. Of all the thrushes, with perhaps the exception of the American 
robin, he is the most capable of instruction. Ilis song is rich in melody, 
and contains some deep notes like those of the nightingale, varied indeed 
with some that are disagreeably harsh. At large, he sings only from March 
to July, especially at night; but in the cage, during the whole year, except 
at moulting time. A single bird will enliven a whole street, so pure, distinct, 
and clear is his note. Ilis memory, also, is so good, that he will learn 
several airs and melodies without mixing them; and sometimes even to 
imitate words. Neither does he forget what he has once well acquired. 
