5u uikd8 of illinois. 



Genus TUEIDUS Lin.njjus. 

 Subgenus Hylocichla Biiird. 



Bvlociihla Gaiiio. Uovluw Am. B.. 1., 1*4. U. Typo, Tardus mua'.elinut GuHU 



The essential characters of the subgenus Hylocichla consist in the 

 much lengthened tarsus, proportionally shortened tail, and small 

 size. The group comprises the small North American "Wood 

 Thrushes," which are closely connected on the one side with 

 Catharus, by tlieir lengthened tarsi, and with Tnrdus hy the shape 

 of the wing. The bill is shorter, more (lci)ressed, and broader at 

 base than in typical Tnrdus, so much so that the 6])ecies have fre- 

 quently been described under Mtisckapa. 



It is not at all improbable that naturalists may ultimately con- 

 clude to consider the group as of generic rank, as has already been 

 done in some instances. 



As to their general appearance when seen in the forest, the 

 Hylocichla?, with the exception of the Wood Thrush, which is 

 conspicuously larger and more rich in color than its congeners, 

 are much alike in their general appearance and in their habits. 

 As has been truly said by a discriminating observer,* their 

 general resemblance to one another is so close "that none but ex- 

 perts can distinguish them, though, upon a close examination the 

 characteristics of each arc found to be marked with sulheient dis- 

 tinctness to leave no doubt of their identification. In the field all 

 three [i. c.fuscescens, swainsojiii, and pallasii] have the same outline 

 from beak to tail, the same russet coloring above and the same dull 

 white breasts, more or less spotted ; but lay examples of each side 

 by side and it will be proven that the Tawny was correctly named, 

 for his russet plumes have a reddish tint in marked contrast with 

 the greenish shade of the Olive-backed, while the Hermit is distin- 

 guished by his tawny tail which changes to olive above the rump. 

 But the actions of these birds are more nearly identical than either 

 form or color, for whether seen hopping along the ground or perched 

 upon a tree, feeding or Hying, it is impossible to detect any differ- 

 ence in them." 



*Mr. Moiita«rue Chamberlain, In the Canadian Sportsman and yaturalitt. Vol. ill.. 

 Ho. 1, JanuaiT. 1883. pp. I!01-ai3. 



