Thrush WESTERN BIRDS 



perfectly dry, laid circularly with particular neatness. 

 The eggs were four, of a pale greenish blue, marked with 

 specks and blotches of olive, particularly at the great 

 end." 



Most authorities agree that the Hermit Thrush is 

 the sweetest singer of the tribe. There is a purity and 

 sweetness in the tone that few birds can equal, and none 

 excel. Heard in the quietude of the forest, among the 

 murmuring leaves, it is a never-to-be-forgotten strain. 



GENUS HYLOCICHLA: DWARF 

 HERMIT THRUSH. 



Dwarf Hermit Thrush: Hylocichla guttata mdnus. 

 FAMILY— THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC. 



On the Pacific coast, breeding from Alaska to British 

 Columbia, wintering south to California, Arizona, and 

 New Mexico, is found a similar bird, which is called the 

 Dwarf Hermit Thrush. It differs from the eastern form 

 in being darker colored. The top of head and rump are 

 more russet, the tail more chestnut, and spots on breast 

 browner. 



In southern California it is a common winter resident, 

 being found not only in the canyons and wooded places, 

 but also coming into the gardens, where it shows no 

 signs of fear. Its abundance is variable, however, being 

 extremely abundant some years and at others quite rare. 

 In my own yard they stay about on the ground, tilting 

 their tails, twitching their wings, and regarding me with 

 their big brown eyes in a most friendly way. At a 

 friend's yard on the bank of the arroyo one of these 

 birds came daily to the bird table to partake of crumbs 

 and suet. Its manner of coming and going was different 

 from that of any other bird. We would hear a chuck 



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