408 BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 



logical Union decided to separate it as above, and I quite agree with 

 the decision, for the feM' I have found could be identified at once by 

 the description. AVhen seen in the woods, however, it resembles the 

 Olive-backed so closely that, till well acquainted with its appearance, 

 it is dithcult to tell the one from the other. On this account, we 

 cannot with certainty say which is the more numerous, but so far 

 as I can judge, the proportion of the Gray-cheeked species which 

 passes this way is not more than one to two of the other. Dr. Coues 

 regards it as the northern form of the Olive-backed, and suggests 

 that this diflFerence in the breeding range produces the change in 

 size and color, which are regarded as specific distinctions. Like all 

 the other Thrushes, it is most likely musical at home, but here it 

 comes and goes in silence. 



The home of this species is in the far north, and while in Ontario 

 it is only a migrant in spring and fall. In the " Natural History of 

 Alaska," Mr. Nelson says: "This species is common throughout all 

 the northern portion of Alaska, wherever willow and alder thickets 

 afford it shelter. Its western range extends to Behring Straits and 

 beyond, and it has been recorded from Kamschatka. Along the 

 entire Yukon and other streams bordered by trees or bushes in this 

 region, it is present in great abundance during the breeding season." 

 They are usually very shy, but "as soon as the breeding season is 

 over, the}^ become less retiring and frequent the vicinity of villages 

 and more open spots, where many are killed by the native boys, 

 armed with their bows and arrows. Their skins are removed and 

 are hung in rows or bunches to dry in the smoky huts, and are pre- 

 served as trophies of the young hunters' prowess. In the winter 

 festivals, when the older hunters bring out the trophies of their skill, 

 the boys proudly display the skins of these Thrushes and hang them 

 alongside." 



TURDUS USTULATUS SWAINSONII (Cab.). 

 313. Olive-backed Thrush. (758^) 



Al)ove, uniform greenish-olive; below, white, olive-shaded on .sides; sides 

 of head, tiiioat, neck and l)reast, .strongly tinged with buff; breast and 

 throat, tliickly marked with hirge dusky-ohve spots. Length, about 7; wing, 

 3| ; tail, 3. 



Hab. — Eastern Nortli America and westward to the Upper Columljia 



