572 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEW JERSEY. 



" Quite common, arriving early in May. Are seen occasion- 

 ally during the summer, and are more abundant in October, 

 when, after a few days' stay, they all disappear. Formerly were 

 more abundant, and the 'hermit' was* seldom seen, even as a 

 migratory species. f Olive-backs' were more abundant during 

 the past summer than for several years" (1867). 



MBRULA, Leach. 

 M. migratoria, L. American Robin, or Red Breast. 



Bill bright yellow, notched ; sexes alike ; olive gray above ; 

 head and tail blackish ; throat white, with black streaks ; under 

 parts chestnut brown ; breast, &c., rufous. Length, 9f inches ; 

 tail, 4J inches. 



" Resident. Abundant, but at certain seasons only. As the 

 specific name indicates, is migratory perhaps it would be better 

 to say, wandering. Semi-gregarious. Although not uncommon 

 during winter, it is not until the middle of February that they 

 show themselves in numbers. At this time they fly in close 

 flocks, and spend a large portion of their time, if the ground be 

 clear of snow, upon the ground. From now (February) until 

 they pair, their food consists of angle-worms and larvae of in- 

 sects ; and they remain largely insectivorous during the whole 

 summer, feeding principally upon grasshoppers in August. 

 Nidification takes place in May, two broods being usually raised. 

 In October they have become again gregarious, and feed largely 

 upon the berries of the gum and cedar. At this time they asso- 

 ciate to some extent with ' flickers ; ' a flock of the former num- 

 bering fifty, will be accompanied probably by ten or a dozen of 

 the latter. Are least abundant in December and January. Are 

 in no way objectionable to fruit growers." 



HBSPBROCICHLA, Bd. 

 H. nsevia, Gmel. Varied Thrush. Oregon Robin. 



Bill not notched ; throat unstreaked ; sexes unlike ; male with 

 a black collar ; general color slate ; orange brown below ; chin, 

 throat and breast orange, rufous or ochraceous. Length, 9| 

 inches ; tail, 4 inches. Hob. Pacific Slope. Accidental in New 

 Jersey. 



