306 BIRDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



Wilson's Thrush, Turdus Wilsonii, is described byNuttall 

 as a common bird, resembling the wood thrush in its voice and 

 song. He describes its nest as usually made in a low bush, 

 not much above the ground, and depending for security on its 

 resemblance to the foliage where it is built. No earth is em- 

 ployed in its construction. The eggs are four or five, of an 

 emerald green. This and the preceding species are not yet 

 sufficiently known. 



The New York Thrush, Turdus Noveberacensis, which, 

 according to Nuttall. hardly ever comes here except in autumn, 

 arrives, as Dr. Brewer assures me, in the spring, and rears its 

 young in our state. Its nest and eggs have been found in 

 Roxbury. 



The Golden-crowned Thrush, Turdus aurocapillus, is a 

 very timid and retiring bird, which remains with us from May 

 till September. It is not distinguished by any power of song, 

 though it has a succession of simple notes which sound pleas- 

 antly, in its quiet and solitary home. It sits and runs on the 

 ground like the lark, and the moment it is discovered, escapes 

 from observation in the deepest shade of the woods. 



This bird is better known by its curious nest than by its 

 aspect or its song. It is built on the ground, among dry leaves 

 or decayed moss. It is neatly constructed with grass inside 

 and out, and is arched over with a large patch of the same 

 material, overspread with twigs and leaves, so as to resemble 

 the rest of the ground. An entrance is left at the side, which 

 is generally toward the sun. The eggs, from four to six in 

 number, are white, spotted with brown toward the larger end. 

 If the female be discovered on her nest, she creeps swiftly and 

 silently away. If she sees the intruder looking for the nest, 

 she flutters, pretends lameness, and generally succeeds in draw- 

 ing off his attention ; but she suffers much from snakes and 

 other animals, which are not easily deceived, and cannot be 

 resisted. These birds live on insects, particularly such as 

 they find upon the ground. 





