142 Messi-s. A. atid E. Newton's Observations 



Turdus fuscatus, Vieill., Ois. de TAiiier. Sept. ii. pi. 57 bis. 

 " Thrush." 



Common in parts of the island overgrown with bush, espe- 

 cially on the hiil-sides, and probably resident. The cock has a 

 loud, clear, Meruline whistle, and seems as if he ought to sing, 

 but does not. The nest is generally built in the Guava bushes 

 {Psidium pomifermn, Linn.), and is a very neat piece of work, 

 greatly resembling that of our Jay {Garrulus glandarius, Vieill.), 

 excepting, of course, in size. The eggs, four to six in number, 

 are of a fine spotless blue-green, deeper in colour, as they are 

 larger, than those of the American Robin {Turdus migratorius, 

 Linn.). The iris of this bird is of an opaque pearly white. It 

 appears to feed chiefly on fruits and berries, especially Guavas 

 and Mangoes. The sexes do not differ materially ; but the bills 

 of individuals vary greatly in size. The moult takes place as 

 early as the end of July, and continues to the end of September. 

 This species is as common in St. Thomas as in St. Croix. It 

 breeds from the end of May to the end of July. Mr. G. R. Gray 

 informs us that Mr. Gould's Colluricincla fusca (P. Z. S. 1836, 

 p. 6) is this bird, as shown by the type now in the British 

 Museum, where we have also placed examples of our own bird 

 from St. Croix. 



11. Golden-crowned Water-Thrush. Siurus aurocapillus, 

 Sw. Turdus aurocapillus, Wils. ii. pi. 14, fig. 2 ; Aud. pi. 143. 

 " Water- Wagtail." 



Apparently only a winter visitant, departing in April, and 

 not common. The action of this bird is very singular, though 

 probably that of all the members of the genus. It walks leisurely 

 about, with its tail elevated perpendicularly, giving it a slight 

 jerk at each step. 



12. New York Water-Thrush. Siurus noveboracensis, 

 Nutt. Turdus aquaticus, Wils. pi. 22. fig. 5 ; Aud. pi. 433. 

 Seiurus aquaticus, Rich, and Sw., Faun. B. Am. pi. 43. 



Is tolerably common by the side of quick-running streams, 

 and occasionally seen away from them. It is most often ob- 

 served sitting on a stone in the midst of the water, slowly jerk- 

 ing its tail in the manner of a Dipper {Ht/drohata, Vieill. ; 



