50 NATURE STUDY NOTES 
DESCRIPTION- —Head and upper parts, olive 
brown. Underparts, cream coloured, spotted dark 
brown, having- distinctive speckled breast. 
NEST (see pp. 43, 46)—Probably the earliest nest 
builder of the imported birds. Young Thrushes have 
been seen away from their nests as early as June. 
Nesting season, June—December. Builds nest in 
hedge or sheltered shrub, and lays 4, 5 or 6 eggs. 
HABITS—Whilst hopping about the lawn or 
paddock frequently pauses and holds its head 
slightly to one side, listening for movement of 
chance worm, then makes a sudden dart, quickly 
pulling its victim out of its hole. It breaks the 
shells of snails on rocks, concrete or any other hard 
surface conveniently situated for the purpose. It 
is seldom found in the New Zealand bush or any¬ 
where far from the habitations of men. (Cf. Black¬ 
bird). 
THE BLACKBIRD 
SONG— 
Key C: | d• m: d.m | s :—| m. 1:—r | s :—| 
and several other groups of 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 notes. 
The same group is seldom repeated. After finishing 
one group, the Blackbird pauses for two or three 
seconds, and then sings another. Its song is low 
pitched and of great purity of tone. Two Black¬ 
birds can sometimes be heard imitating each other’s 
song, especially in the New Zealand bush. 
DESCRIPTION— Plumage black, but not glossy. 
Legs, black. Beak, golden yellow. Female bird has 
dark brownish plumage, somewhat resembling the 
