THE EUROPEAN BLACKBIRD. 
Synonymes. 
Turdus merula , 
Merle, 
SchwarzdrosseJ, 
Merlo, 
Melro, 
Blackbird, 
English Blackbird, 
Of Ornithologists. 
Of the French. 
Of the Germans. 
5 Of the Spaniards 
i! and Italians. 
Of the Portuguese. 
t Of the British. 
Of the Anglo-Americans. 
EING 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 of 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. 
His song is rich in melody, and contains some deep notes like 
those of the nightingale, varied, indeed, with some which 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. His 
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. 
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