70 Bird - Lore 



structure. Mud is brought to make the inner cup secure and strong. This 

 feature of the nest follows closely the architectural plan employed by the 

 Robin. The similarity ends here, however, for the Wood Thrush's nest is 

 usually lined with fine rootlets, while the Robin seems to prefer dried grass for 

 this purpose. 



The eggs are usually deposited one each day, until the full complement 

 has been reached. Four is the number most generally laid, although the bird 



may sometimes be found engaged in the business of incubation 

 Eggs with only three, and again five may be seen. The color is a 



delightful bluish green, and, by way of comparison, it may be 

 said that they are lighter and do not possess such a deep green as the Cowbird. 

 In fact, they resemble very closely those of the Robin, and if they were only 

 slightly darker it would be almost impossible to distinguish the two. 



YOUNG WOOD THRUSH JUST AFTER LEAVING NEST 

 Photographed by B. S. Bowdish 



In reference to its food, the Wood Thrush is classified as an insect-eating 

 bird, and its value as such has become so generally recognized that it is now 



protected by local laws in all parts of the United States where 

 Its Food it is found. As an additional safeguard, a measure known as 



the McLean law, which was enacted by Congress in the year 

 1913, absolutely prohibits the killing of these birds at all seasons in all parts 

 of the country. In this way, the bird now dwells beneath the combined pro- 

 tection of the Government and the several states. As most of this bird's life is 

 passed on the ground or among the shrubbery, we would naturally expect it 



