159 



muddy margins of ponds, ditches, and the river, while the Large- 

 billed Accentor (S. motacilla) is seldom seen in such situations, but 

 evinces a decided preference for clear mountain streams, with pebbly- 

 bottoms ; neither is it ordinarily seen skulking under cover. The 

 note of the Aquatic Accentor is a metallic chick^ resembling the com- 

 mon note of the larger species ; but it is rather disposed to silence 

 during its brief stay with us. I have never heard its song, which is 

 said to be remarkably fine. This species shares the habit of tilting 

 its body as it moves about, practiced by the two other species of its 

 genus. 



Dimensions. — Average measurements of eight specimens : length, 

 6-04; stretch, 9-52; wing, 2-99; tail, 2-11; bill from nostril, -40; gape, 

 •67; tarsus, Si; middle toe, -oo; its claw, -14. 



44. Siurus motacilla, (F/ei7Zo«)- Large-billed Accentor. A 

 common summer resident; breeds. Arrives in April (15, 1874; 30, 

 1875; 20, 1876; 23, 1877; 19, 1878; 26, 1879); departs early in autumn. 



The Large-billed Water Thrush is a charmingly interesting friend 

 of the out-of-doors-naturalist. It is very abundant with us from the 

 time of its arrival, early in April, until late in summer. It sometimes 

 appears here before the winter's snows are past, but even under such 

 conditions it seems to be quite contented, and is in full song. Its 

 song is quite unique ; being loud, clear, and unsurpassinglj'^ sweet. 

 Frequenting, as it does, the darkly shaded forest streams, that abound 

 in water-falls and cascades, rushing over broken masses of rock, and 

 mossy fallen logs that collect and detain the debris ; seen in such cool 

 and delightful situations, its song becomes associated in one's mind 

 with its surroundings and accessories. Indeed, its notes cannot be 

 dissociated from the sound of gurgling, rushing waters, and those 

 sights and sensations which impress one so agreeably when in the 

 woods. Even a casual allusion to this little bird recalls, to the mind 

 of the collector, a bright picture of clear mountain streams, with their 

 falls and eddies, their dams of rocks and fallen tree-trunks, their level 

 stretches flowing over bright, pebbly bottoms, with mossy banks and 

 rocky ferneries, and their darting minnows and dace; for only in such 

 wild localities is the Water Wagtail at home. There you will see it 

 sitting upon the stones, close beside the foaming water, expressing its 

 pleasure at its surroundings by constantly repeating, in a complacent 

 tone, its single chick. It runs about (never hopping) over the stones 

 and moss, gleaning along the sandy margin of the stream. Occasion- 

 ally you may see it alight upon the witch-hazel, or alder bushes, that 

 border the water, running dexterously along their branches. It always 

 accompanies every employment with a Sandpiper-like, tilting motion 

 of its body. Now it starts off in pursuit of one of its fellows. They 

 fly through the forest with astonishing velocity, uttering a sharp 



