BIRDS OF NEW YORK 515 



like the Bluebird simply light upon the ground long enough to seize the 

 insects which they have discovered from near-by perches, then return to 

 the higher station. 



The nests of thrushes are rather bulky and inartistic in structure 

 and usually have a central wall of mud or soggy, rotten wood. The eggs 

 are from 4 to 6 in number, of bluish green color, in some species spotted 

 with brown. The flight of thrushes is slightly undulating, in long sweeps. 

 Our native forest species usually have curious buffy streaks across the 

 bases of the wing feathers which show like glances of sunlight as they 

 fly in front of one through the forest, evidently of use as directive or dis- 

 appearing marks, like similar patches in the wings of plovers, sandpipers, 

 and Brown creepers. 



Thrushes are among our most melodious birds, the common names 

 in European languages undoubtedly being attempted reproductions of the 

 characteristic mellow quality of the prevailing family note — thrush, 

 throstle, drossel, merle and turdus. As inhabitants of our gardens, orchards 

 and groves, they are not only interesting because of their music, but largely 

 beneficial. No serious complaints have been brought against any members 

 of the family, with the exception of the Robin, which feeds extensively on 

 cultivated cherries and other garden fruits during their season; and it is 

 probable that all members of the family kill a considerable number of 

 ground beetles which are predaceous in their habits; but in general, their 

 insect fare is of species which are injurious, and they all render efficient 

 service in scattering the seeds of fruit-bearing trees and shrubs along our 

 hedgerows and through the forests. 



Myadestes townsendi (Aububon) 



Townscnd solitaire 



Ptilogonys townsendi Audubon. Birds Amer. 1838. (folio) 4. pi. 410, fig. 2 

 Myadestes townsendi A. O. U. Check List. Ed. 3. 1910. p. 359. No. 754 



Description. The tail forked in the central feathers and graduated on 

 the lateral feathers, thus appearing doubly rounded. Bill short and 

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