BLACKBIRD.
TURDUS MERULA, Linn.
Turdus merula, Linn. S. N. i. p. 295 (1766); Naum. ii.
p. 326; Macg. ii. p. 8 1 ; Hewitson, i. p. 91; Yarr.
ed. 4, i. p. 280; Dresser, ii. p. 91.
Merle noir, French; Schwarzdrossel, German; Mirlo,
Merla, Spanish.
Abundant and resident in almost all parts of the
British Islands, its numbers greatly augmented by
autumnal migrations from the continent.
This species is found in most of the countries of
Europe, either as a resident or a winter visitor, and
breeds to my knowledge in Algeria. As is the case
with most birds of its family, the Blackbird is a local
migrant in the countries in which it breeds, but differs
from its congeners by seldom, if ever, travelling in
flocks. 1 believe that in favourable circumstances this
species often produces three broods of young in the
year. Enormous numbers of Blackbirds are annually
shot, snared, and netted for the table, in autumn, in
many parts of Southern Europe, notably in the island
of Corsica.
