A double dip into the Bestiary

This is what Aberdeen University's Bestiary, written and illuminated in England around the year 1200 AD, has to say about ducks and the blackbird.


"Of ducks The duck, anas, has been aptly named because it is constantly swimming, natare. Some of its species are called Germanie, 'from Germany', because they eat more than the rest. 


Of the blackbird Isidore says of the blackbird: 'The blackbird in ancient times was called medula, because it sang rhythmically.' Others say that it was called merula, because it flew on its own, mera volans, so to speak.

Although it is black wherever it is found, there is a white species in Achaia. The blackbird is small but black. It represents those tainted by the blackness of sin. 

The blackbird both moves and charms itself by the sweetness of its own voice. It represents those who are tempted by the suggestion of carnal pleasures."

This is a newly fledged blackbird in its brown juvenile plumage. When it grows up it will turn black should it be a male, otherwise it will stay brown.

We still use the old Latin names in the scientific names that we use today; the blackbird's name being Turdus merula and the mallard duck's Anas platyrhynchos