FERRUGINOUS THRUSH, OR THRASHER. 331 



January I observed this Thrush and the Mocking-bird 

 feed on the berries of the sumach. Sometimes they 

 raise up a few grains of planted corn, but this is more 

 the effect of caprice than appetite, as the search for 

 grubworms is what commonly induces this resort to 

 scratching up the soil. The Thrasher is an active, 

 watchful, shy, and vigorous species, generally flying 

 low, dwelling .among thickets, and skipping from bush to 

 bush, with his long tail sometimes spread out like a fan. 

 About the first week in October after moulting, they 

 disappear for the season, and pass the winter in the 

 Southern States. By the middle of February, or early 

 in March, they already display their vocal powers in the 

 warmer parts of Georgia and West Florida. They are 

 easily reared, and become very familiar and amusing 

 companions, showing a strong attachment to the hand 

 that feeds and protects them. In their manners, intelli- 

 gence, song, and sagacity, they nearly approach to 

 the Mocking-bird, being equally playful, capricious, 

 petulant, and affectionate.* 



The Brown Thrush is 11^ inches long, and 13 in alar extent. The 

 whole upper parts are of a bright reddish-brown ; the wings are 

 crossed with 2 bars of whitish, relieved with black. Tail very long, 

 rounded at the end, broad, and of the same color with the back. 

 Below yellowish-white, with the breast and sides marked with long 

 pointed or pencillate dusky spots. Bill without notch ; black 

 above, whitish below near the base. Legs dusky brownish. Iris 

 yellow, (much paler in the young bird.j In the female the white 

 bars on the wing are narrower, and the spots on the breast small- 

 er. 



* For additional traits of this species, see the Introduction. 



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