'There are so many interesting traits in the character of the Missel Thrush that it is a great favourite with every lover of country life. It is the largest species of its genus inhabiting the British Islands, and is distinguished from all other Thrushes by the breadth of its colouring and by the richness of its pectoral markings; it is, moreover, a vigorous, bold, and spirited bird and ...evinces a preference for the tops of the loftiest trees and the open pasture'.

An adult and young birds are depicted just after leaving the nest, on a branch of a Spruce Fir in flower.

DISTRIBUTION: Breeds in western and central Palaearctic region to Turkmenia, western Himalayas and northwest Africa between about 69°N and 31°N. Migratory in north and east of range to sedentary or dispersive in west and south