GSd WJLt^UM'S TllllUt^lI. 



brown, but more olivaceous on the lower part, where they become nearly obsolete. Ou the sides of the throat 

 they exhibit a tendency to cluster and form maxillary lines. Flanks and tibiae, pale olivaceous. A broail 

 band beneath the wing, which is not well defined, is of a pale buff. Under wing coverts, white, with an 

 olivaceous tinge. Axillaries, white, tinged with pale buff. Ring around the eye. and stripes on the feath- 

 ers of ear coverts, pale buff. Lores, ashy. Iris, brown. Bill, dark brown : the basal half of lower mandible, 

 pale yellow. Sexes, similar in all stages of plumage. 



OBSERVATIONS. 



This bird is easily distinguished from all the other smaller thrushes by the paler tints of the spots on 

 the throat and breast, which are also more restricted. The colors of the back ai-e very uniform throughout, 

 with the exception of a slight ochrey tinge upon the upper tail coverts and lower part of the rump. This 

 tint also occasionally appears on the crown. This species is perhaps less variable in color than any other 

 of the thrushes. It is found during the breeding season from latitude 42 degrees, northward, perhaps to the 

 fur countries. Although a few are found in Florida and Cuba the greater part winter in Central and South 

 America. 



DIMENSIOISS. 



Length, 7.00 to 7.7.-) : stretch. 1I.2.""> to 12.r,0 : wing, o. 70 to 4.20 : tail. 2.C0 to 3.55: bill, .55 to .(iO; 

 tarsus, l.OS to 1.20. 



DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 



Nests, composed of grape-vine bark, leaves and weeds, lined with fine grasses, leaves and fibrous roots- 

 It is deeply hollowed, but well proportioned to the size of the bird. Dimensions. External diameter, 5 

 inches; internal, 2.50 inches. External depth, ;■> inches ; internal. 2 inches. Eggs, rather pointed in fjrni, 

 generally dark green in color. Dimensions, from .110 by .GO to .i)5 by .70. 



HABITS. 



Wliile wiuideriiig tlirougli the thickly wooded vnlley.s of Massachusetts, after the lirst 

 of May, the ears of the pcdestriiin will be saluted with a .'^erii'S of continuous fife-Hke notes, 

 coming in two or three waves, and enihng in a prolonged sound. This nielod^y will at- 

 tract his attention, if he is not at all inclined to notice such things, for it is ver^' singidar, 

 and he will naturally wish to see the author of it. Therefore, he makes his way cautiously 

 towards the spot where the songster seems to be, but as he draws near the song censes to 

 be given, and in its place he hears a suppressed whistle. This note is uttered at irregular 

 intervals, sometimes loud, sometimes soft, and ever changing in the direction from which 

 it comes. If tlie observer is wary, he will perhaps catch a glimpse of a brown-backed 

 bird Hitting quickly through the thick bushes. But vmless he is acquainted with the habits 

 of Wilson's Thrush, for this is the species which he is endeavoring to discover, this is all lie 

 will see; for if it is too closely pursued, it will cease giving its alarm-note, and, lising 

 suddenly to the tops of the trees, will dart over them, alighting a k)ng distance from the 

 disturber of its peace. 



If surprised in the open wood.s, which it sometimes visits, it usuall}' behaves in an 

 entirely different manner. When any one comes suddenly upon it, as it sits upon the 

 branch of a tree it will remain perfectly quiet and keep silent, as if conscious that its so- 

 ber colors are a natural protection. In this habit it I'csembles the robin and other small 

 thrushes, and one may pass quite near it without its flying. But if the intruder pauses 

 for a time to observe it (piietly, the liird will appear puzzled, and, after keeping its statue- 



