The Solitary or Wood Thrushes (Turdus mustillinus, Gm.), [Fig. 259], are distinguished from the other Dentirostral Passerines by their long and slender tarsi. They are natives of America, and, in the midst of its vast forests, busy themselves in hunting ants, on which they feed. Other insects are not refused by them; but, first and foremost, they are formicivoræ. They fly indifferently, but in running and hopping they are very nimble. Generally speaking, they do not take the trouble of building a nest, preferring to lay their eggs on the ground, on a bed of dry leaves. Their song is of a strange character, differing in its nature in the various species. Some of them have received the name of "Bell-ringer," &c., from the similarity of their note to the sound of a bell. They are wild and shy, and dash their heads against the bars when they are shut up in a cage. Their flesh is appreciated for the table.
The Merulidæ genus is characterised by a flattened, curved, and slightly denticulated bill, and is one of the most numerous of the family, embracing as it does no less than one hundred and fifty species spread plentifully over the whole surface of the globe.
Birds of this genus are, generally speaking, migratory, and travel in more or less numerous flocks. They feed on berries, fruits, and insects, and are endowed with very harmonious powers of song. They have been divided into two great sections, the division being based on the particular arrangement of their colours. First, the section of Merulæ, which embraces all the species the plumage of which is of a uniform colour; next, that of Turdi, which contains those of speckled plumage, that is, marked with small dark spots on the breast.
The principal species of the first section are the Common Blackbird, the Rock Blackbird, the Solitary Blackbird, and the Mocking Bird, or Polyglot Thrush.
The Common Blackbird (Merula vulgaris, Ray), [Fig. 260], is so called on account of its plumage, which in the cock bird is of a uniform bright black colour. It delights in neighbourhoods covered with groves and thickets situated in the vicinity of water. When a sufficiency of food is to be found it seldom leaves the district it has frequented. In nearly all the countries of the European continent it is to be met with the year round. These birds appear to be less numerous in winter than in summer, and it is only exceptionally that they are sedentary.
The Blackbird is shy and artful by nature, and shows extreme caution in approaching any object of suspicion. It rarely allows itself to be surprised by man, except when its voracity and greediness lead it into danger; but still, notwithstanding its shyness, it is disposed to frequent public and private gardens, and the vicinity of habitations. When taken young it easily becomes accustomed to captivity.
Fig. 260.—The Common Blackbird (Turdus merula, Linn.).
It builds its nest at a short distance from the ground, on trees or bushes, the hen bird only participating in the labour of building. She lays from four to six eggs.
In the South of Europe this species is much sought after, on account of the exquisite flavour which its flesh acquires from living on myrtle and juniper berries.