Part 68 - Blackbird (Turdus merula buddhae) field notes

1 page

SUMMARY:
Notes describe a blackbird nesting with three young, its abundance in spring and summer especially in drier passes south of the main range, song similar to the British blackbird, nesting in rhododendrons near the alpine fringe, and flocking in autumn. It is noted as common in Sikkim and inhabiting 11,000–13,000 ft.

CONTENT:
Blackbird
Ibis 1909, L. p. 170. One nest with 3 young birds of Turdus merula buddhae.
This bird is plentiful in spring and summer in most of the passes we crossed
but seems to prefer the drier passes south of the main range rather than
the main range itself. The song of the Blackbird is very
similar to our own British bird, the mellow soft notes so pleasing.
Constructs its nest in rhododendron bushes on the fringe of the alpine zone.
Collects into large flocks in Autumn.

L. p. 170. Gen. Walton - It is a common bird in Sikkim, an
inhabitant of the dry zone from 11,000–13,000 ft.