R IN G OUZEL.
Merula torquata, Briss.
Le Merle a Plastron blanc.
“ T h e periodical visits of this bird to our coast,” says Mr. Selby, “ are contrary to the others of the genus
that migrate, viz. the Fieldfare, the Redwing, and the Common Thrush, as it arrives in spring, and immediately
resorts to the mountainous districts of England and Scotland, preferring those that are the most stony and
barren.” Although it doubtless always breeds in the situations above described, it may not unfrequently be
seen traversing the hedgerows of cultivated lands during its passage to and from distant climates.
In general form and appearance it strictly resembles the Blackbird, but in its manners it is much more shy
and distrustful, rarely admitting itself to be approached. Unlike that bird, it is not observed skulking among
bushes, &c., but affects more open situations, which doubtless renders it habitually cautious, as being more
necessary to its safety. Its voice is somewhat harsh and powerful, consisting of a few notes, which, according
to Mr. Selby, are not unlike those of the Missel Thrush. On the Continent it is distributed through most of
the northern countries, and is very common in Sweden, France, and Germany; indeed, with the exception
of Holland, it is universally distributed throughout Europe, as well as the adjacent parts of Asia and Africa.
In all these countries it is said to be migratory; and we may easily conceive the cause of this to be the
failure of a supply of food in the peculiar situations it frequents, aud the consequent necessity of retiring to
a more genial climate, where berries, fruits, and insects may be easily obtained*
The male differs from the female in the greater purity and contrast of his colours. The general plumage
is black, each feather having a margin of grey; a broad gorget of pure white extends across the chest; the
bill is blackish brown at the tip, and yellow at the base; legs blackish.
The plumage of the female is more clouded with brownish grey, the pectoral gorget being less extensive
and tinged with dusky brown.
The young males closely resemble the adult female, but in young females the gorget is scarcely perceptible.
The Plate represents an adult bird of each sex of the natural size.