38 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



As stated in " Birds of ISTorth America " some specimens (var. longicauda) 

 from beyond the Missouri Eiver are larger than eastern birds, with longer 

 tails, more rufous beneath ; the breast spots darker. But, in passing from 

 east to west, the change is so insensible that it is impossible to divide the 

 series. 



Habits. This Thrush is a common species throughout a widely extended 

 area, from the Eocky Mountains to the Atlantic, and from the Eed Eiver 

 country, in British America, to the Eio Grande. And nearly throughout 

 this entire territory it also resides and breeds, from Texas to the 54th paral- 

 lel of latitude. 



It reaches New England early in May and leaves it in the latter part of 

 September or the first week of October, its stay varying with the season 

 and the supply of its food. It is somewhat irregularly distributed, common 

 in some portions of this section, and rare or even unknown in others. It 

 is not found near the sea-coast beyond Massachusetts. It passes the winter 

 in the Southern States, even as far to the north as Virginia, and is in full 

 song in the neighborhood of Savannah as early as the first of March. 



The song of this Thrush is one of great beauty, and is much admired by 

 all who appreciate woodland melody of the sweetest and liveliest type. It 

 is loud, clear, emphatic, full of variety and charm. Its notes are never imi- 

 tative and cannot be mistaken by any one wlio is familiar with them, for 

 those of any other bird, unless it may be some one of its western congeners. 

 It is a very steady performer, singing for hours at a time. Its notes are 

 given in a loud tone, and its song may often be heard to quite a distance. 



In obtaining its food the Brown Thrush is at times almost rasorial in its 

 habits. In the early spring it scratches among tlie leaves of the forest for 

 worms, coleopterous grubs, and other forms of insect food. By some it 

 is charged with scratching up the hills of early corn, but this is not a well- 

 founded accusation. Berries of various kinds also form a large part of its 

 food, and among these the small fruit of our gardens must be included. 



This Thrush is a very affectionate and devoted bird, especially to its young. 

 It is also prompt in going to the assistance of others of its species when in 

 trouble. Whenever intruders approach their nests, especially if their young 

 are far advanced, they manifest the deepest anxiety, sometimes even making 

 a vigorous defence. Tlie writer has a very distinct recollection of having 

 encountered, together with a younger brother, an ignominious defeat, when 

 making liis first attempt to inspect the nest of one of these birds. 



The Brown Thrush is jealous of the intrusion of other birds of its own 

 species to a too close proximity to its nesting-place, and will assert its 

 love of seclusion by stout battles. In Louisiana the construction of the 

 nest is commenced quite early in March ; in Pennsylvania, not until May ; 

 and in the New England States in the latter part of that month. The .nest 

 is usually not more than two or three feet from the ground. It is built in a 

 low bush, on a cluster of briers or among vines. I have known it to be 



