The Song Thrush or Throstle, (Turdus musicus,) is one of the best songsters of the evening hymn in the grove. His voice is loud and sweet; the melody of his song is varied, and, although not so deep in the general diapason of the woodland concert as that of the blackbird, yet it fills up agreeably, and bursts through the inferior warblings of smaller performers. His breast is of a yellowish white, spotted with black or brown dashes, like ermine spots.
The term Merle for the Blackbird, and Mavis for the Thrush, are used chiefly by the poets.
“Merry is it in the good green wood,
When the Mavis and Merle are singing,
When the deer sweeps by, and the hounds are in cry,
And the hunter’s horn is ringing.”
Scott.
“Take thy delight in yonder goodly tree,
Where the sweet Merle and warbling Mavis be.”
Drayton.
THE REDWING, (Turdus iliacus,)