42 The Redwing. 


same places, and partakes of the same kind of food; 
they are often seen together, both when on the ground 
and when feeding on the haw or holly-berries; and, like 
the fieldfare, it leaves us in the spring of the year in 
large flocks for its northern journeys. The female lays 
five eggs in a nest placed in some low bush or hedge, 
soon after its return to Norway. It is called the 
_ “Nightingale ;” its notes are very clear and musical, 
though wild. We are told it generally sits perched on 
the top of some high tree, where it favours its hearers 
with its song. 
The Redwing is a delicate bird, and cannot endure 
very severe weather; for when the ground is hard 
with frost, and snow has been seen for some time 
past on every branch, it may be often picked up dead 
or dying through the cold and want of sufficient 
nourishment. They are shy birds during open weather, 
but when the winter begins to show itself, they may be 
shot in great numbers. The first fall of snow is the 
best time to get a dozen or two for the table, as they 
are then very fat and in good condition, and can be 
bagged without much trouble. We read that the 
Romans held them in such great esteem as to keep 
thousands in an aviary, and fed them with a paste 
