This is the fourth painting in my series for The Twelve Days of Christmas, and it's an interesting story.  Way back in 1780 this verse referred to 'four colly birds', where 'colly' was a reference to coal-black.  However, this word fell out of use and with the passing of time, the verse evolved to corley birds, curley birds, colour'd birds and even canary birds. In 1909 the verses were published with the 'Four Calling Birds' we know today.  So I have painted four blackbirds, one of which is in full song.  They're in a tree of blossom because I love the combination of colours.