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(Turdus Roseus, Linn.—Le Merle Couleur de Rose, Buff.)
IS about the size of the Starling, and seems a connecting link between that species and the Ouzels. The bill is blushed with red, and slightly notched at the tip, whence, to the corners of the mouth, it is nearly an inch and a quarter long; the irides are dark hazel. Length about nine inches; weight rather more than two ounces and a half. The feathers on the head are long, forming a silky looking crest, and those on the fore part of the neck partake of the same appearance. The head, crest, neck, wings, tail, and upper coverts, are black, glossed with shades of blue, purple and green: the back, rump, breast and belly, pale rose red. The tail consists of twelve feathers; the middle ones somewhat shorter than those on the outsides; its under coverts are black, very slightly edged and tipped with white. The legs, which are strong, are reddish; claws pale brown. The female is olive brown: all her quills and tail feathers are edged with pale or whitish brown: in our specimen the feathers on her head were divided from the brow to the hinder part.* This beautiful bird is a rare visitant in this country.* It is found in various parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and in most places is migratory. It seems to prefer the warmer climates. It is said to be fond of locusts, and frequents the places where those destructive insects abound, on which account it is held sacred by the inhabitants.
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