Thruslies, Bluebirds, etc. WESTERN BIRDS 



FAMILY— TURDID^: THRUSHES, SOLITAIRES, 

 STONECHATS, BLUEBIRDS, ETC. 



This family contains some of the best known, most 

 beloved members of the feathered world. The Robin 

 and Bluebird are the brightest plumaged, as well as the 

 most sociable, being dwellers of the dooryard and 

 orchard; while the Thrushes are dull-plumaged and in- 

 habit wooded regions, although some of them are also 

 dooryard visitors. These birds are insectivorous and, 

 for the most part, migratory. In subfamily Turdin^e, 

 which contains the true Thrushes, the juvenal plumage 

 is always more or less spotted. 



Many members of this family are famed as rare song- 

 sters. While the music lacks the volume and force of 

 some singers, in sweetness and expression few birds excel 

 them. These singers — the Thrushes — are dull colored, 

 but in spite of that, they are most charming. There is a 

 quiet grace, as well as a distinguished carriage, that few 

 birds have, which, I believe, endears them to all be- 

 holders. 



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