Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 3 (1899).djvu/25



song of the Mistle-Thrush has an indescribable charm for most lovers of birds, and, it may be added, not without reason. Heard at a time of the year when the afternoons are visibly lengthening out, and our thoughts are attuned to the coming of spring, the associations connected with it doubtless tend to a pleasing influence upon the listener apart from any actual merit contained in the song itself, which, to my mind, is considerable.

The melody, however, is somewhat curtailed, no matter whether poured forth in storm or in sunshine, with a distinct kind of curl in it, resembling not a little the wild notes of the Ring-Ouzel. I do not know if others have remarked this peculiarity in the song to which I have alluded, and which it is quite possible may be considered a very indifferent definition of what it is my wish to convey; nevertheless, this curious intonation, which I have attempted to describe by the term "curl," is distinctly present.

It has been stated with a show of authority that Mistle-Thrushes are not gregarious, but that they consort in families; the fact remains, however, that Mistle-Thrushes are to be seen associating in considerable numbers in the month of September every year. Now I must say at the outset that I am far from wishing to criticize the observations and experiences of others, Zool. 4th ser. vol. III., January, 1899.