The MISSEL THRUSH (_Turdus viscivorus_) is about ten inches long, and
from sixteen inches and a half to seventeen and a half broad; its wing
measures from five inches and a half to five inches and three-quarters,
and the tail from four inches to four inches and a quarter. Upon the
upper part of the body the feathers are deep grey, the under side
is whitish, marked on the throat with triangular, and on the other
portions with kidney-shaped brownish black spots; the quills and tail
are brownish grey, bordered with greyish yellow; the eye is brown, the
beak dark, and the feet light horn-colour. The female resembles her
mate, but is somewhat smaller; the feathers on the under side of the
young are spotted with black, and the wing-covers bordered with yellow.
This species is found throughout the entire continent of Europe, and is
numerously met with in Great Britain. In Wales it is popularly known as
"Penn-y-llwya," or "Master of the Coppice," on account of the overbearing
and quarrelsome disposition it displays. In England it is often called
the "Storm Thrush," from the fact that its voice is constantly to be
heard before a storm of wind or rain. Such of these birds as inhabit the
most northern portions of our continent wander somewhat further south
as winter approaches, whilst those that occupy more genial latitudes
remain throughout the entire year in their native lands. Some few are
occasionally known to stray as far as North-western Africa. Districts
abounding in lofty trees or pine and fir forests are the localities they
prefer. The nest is formed of moss, stalks, lichens, and grass; the outer
wall being frequently coated with a layer of mud, and the interior neatly
lined with fine grass and similar materials. (The egg is represented in
Fig. 12, Coloured Plate XVI.)
The voice of the Missel Thrush resembles that of the Blackbird. "The
male," says Mudie, "is not a mere idle songster; he is equally vigilant
and bold in the defence of his family. The call-note he utters in case
of danger--and which is answered by the female as if she were expressing
her confidence of safety while he is on the watch--is harsh, grating,
and has the tone of a note of defiance. With the Missel Thrush this
defiance is no idle boast, for the sneaking Magpie, the light-winged
Kestrel, and even the Sparrow Hawk, are at those times compelled to keep
their distance, as the Thrush is too vigilant to be taken by surprise,
and under the sprays where these birds contend with him on equal terms he
keeps them all at bay. Nor is he the guardian of his own family only--he
is in some measure the warder of the whole grove, and when the harsh but
shrill sound of his bugle-note of alarm is heard, all the warblers take
heed of the danger, and the chorus is mute until he again mounts the
highest branch and raises the song of thankfulness for deliverance."