NAUMANN’S THRUSH.
Turdus Naumannii, Tem.

Le Merle Naumann.

So directly intermediate is this bird between the Fieldfare and Redwing, that had we not seen numerous
examples we should have been inclined to consider it either an accidental variety or a hybrid produced
between these two well-known birds. Although it does not occur in Europe so frequently as is mentioned by
M. Temminck, still we have seen it in Continental collections ; one in particular we recollect to have observed
in the Museum at Munich, which was killed near that city: it appeared to be fully adult, and was in beautiful
preservation. From the little information we could obtain respecting it, we can state with certainty that it is
a species of the greatest rarity, visiting only the eastern portions of the Continent alone, and at very indefinite
periods. It is strange that we have never observed a single specimen among the vast collections which have
been sent home from India during the last few years, although that country directly intervenes between the
eastern portions of Europe and Japan, where it is abundant. Two fine examples collected in the latter country
have been transmitted to us by our valued friend M. Temminck ; these specimens offer little or no difference
from the bird in the Munich Museum, of which our Plate is an accurate representation.

Of its habits and nidification nothing is known ; but in its general economy, food, &c., it doubtless resembles
the other members of the group.

The sexes are scarcely distinguishable by their plumage; the female, like those of the Fieldfare and Red-
wing, being only somewhat smaller in size, and rather less bright and decided in her markings.

Top of the head, ear-coverts, and upper surface deep brown, each feather being edged with reddish, which
red tint becomes more conspicuous on the rump, scapularies, and secondaries ; a stripe of pale buff passes
from the base of the bill over the eye; throat and upper part of the breast very pale buff; the sides of the
neck ornamented with fine arrow-shaped markings of brown; chest and flanks dark brown, each feather
broadly bordered with greyish white; belly white; under tail-coverts buff; tail and primaries dark brown,
the outer edges of the tail-feathers tinged with reddish ; feet light brown ; bill light brown at the base, passing
into dark brown at the tip.

The Plate represents a male of the natural size.