TURDID.E — THE THRUSHES — TURDUS. 9 



Fieldfare (a species of Turdus, which resembles om- young Eobin with a 

 spotted breast), and have given it that name. 



The nest of the Eobin is built at various heights on trees, and sometimes, 

 as if relying fully on the nobler traits of humanity, in a shed, stable, or 

 even in a saw-mill, close to the constantly working and noisy machinery. I 

 have found one in the cleft of a split tree whicli had been broken down by 

 the wind. Nuttall relates instances of their building near a blacksmitli's 

 anvil ; on the stern timbers of a vessel that was being built at Portsmouth, 

 N. H. ; on a harrow, himg up in a cart-shed where three men were at work, 

 and where they took rei'uge after the destruction of their first nest. 



The eggs are foiu' or five, dark bluish green, and unspotted. The nest is 

 composed outside of roots, shavings, etc., then a layer of leaves, moss, and 

 grass, cemented by mud, inside of wliich is a lining of soft, dry grass. 



The Eobin's song is loud and sweet, Ijut not much varied. Though usually 

 uttered in spring, it occasionally is heard during other seasons, esjjecially in 

 fine weatlier, when the musician, having fed heartily in the garden or field, 

 mounts to the top of a tree, and returns thanks for luiman hospitality in tlie 

 most pleasing melody. 



Their food consists chiefly of insects, especially worms, for wliich they 

 hop over grassy fields in the spring, watching and listening for tlie gnawing 

 grub or earthworm, driven to the surface by rain, occasionally seizing one 

 with a quick motion of the head, swallowing it whole, or picking it to pieces. 

 They also feed much on berries, especially during winter, when they eat those 

 of the Madrona (Arbutus), and even the bitter fruit of the dogwood (Cornus). 



Kept in cages they become very familiar, and learn to imitate various 

 tunes and noises. They live sometimes for many years in captivity, and 

 have been made so domestic as to be allowed the free range of the house 

 and surrounding grounds. 



Turdus confinis, B.vmD. 



THE CAPE KOBIN. 



Turdus coiijinis, Baiud, Rev. Amer. Birds, 18G4, 29. 



Sp. Char. Above, witli sides of head and neck grayi-sh ash, faintl)- tinged with oliva- 

 ceous. Chin and throat white streaked with ash brown. Jugulum and breast pale yellow- 

 ish hurt'; axillars, inner wing covers, and .sides of the breast, more dee])ly .so. Belly and 

 edges of crissal feathers, white ; flanks behind, ashy. A whitish stri]ie from lores over and 

 a quarter of an inch behind the eye. Lower eyelid white. Tail feathers and greater 

 wing coverts narrowly tipped with white. Bill yellowish ; upper mandible and tip of low- 

 er tinged with dusky. Feet, pale brown. Wing, 5.10 inches ; tail, 4.10 ; tarsus, 1.20 ; bill, 

 above .60. 



Hab. Cape St. Lucas. 



