( 147 ) 



There are two broods each year, the 

 first hardly getting out of the nest and 

 about, before the other follows. 



If undisturbed the birds frequently 

 make use of the satae nest for several 

 consecutive years, simply repairing it 

 each season. 



The eggs are pale green, blotched 

 and speckled with red, over underly- 

 ing spots of violet. 



Notes. — This is one of our finest 

 songsters during the breeding season. 

 The song is quite varied and sweet. 

 It also has an alarm cry very much 

 like that of the American Catbird (G. 

 carolinensis). In habits, however, it 

 much more closely resembles the 

 American Kobin (P. migratorius). 



GREY-BACKED OUSEL. 



TURDUS HOETULORUM, SCHLATER. 



Description. — Length nine and one 

 half inches. Bill orange yellow. Tarsus, 

 feet, and claws, yellow. 



Upper parts dark gray without 

 markings, slightly shaded with olive 

 on the head. Under parts white, 

 throat and breast having triangular 

 black spots in the female, and a 

 deep washing of gray, with fewer 

 spots in the male. Sides of the 

 breast, axillaries, and flanks, golden 

 rufous, the depth of color varying with 

 individuals. 



Distribution. — China generally, 

 though more common in the south. 

 Passes the Yangtse Valley in migration. 



