50 LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 
“brave,” and yet, when their young are reared, they resume 
their natural shyness, avoid man, and on his approach disap- 
pear in the surrounding shrubbery ; but the instinct of mother- 
hood can inspire bravery in those habitually timid, when 
emergencies occur which require courage. 
(d). The loud chuck of the Brown Thrushes, their indescrib- 
able note of alarm or displeasure, and their song are all, as 
has been intimated, much like those of the Cat-bird. Their 
song is very pleasing, being loud, emphatic, and wonderfully 
varied ; so much so that it is sometimes well-nigh impossible 
to believe that one bird can produce such widely different 
notes, but, though called ‘‘mockers,” the ‘‘Thrashers” never 
mimic other creatures, so far as I have observed. Often, if 
interrupted, when singing, they softly repeat the syllables ‘* tu- 
whit, tu-whit,” and immediately resume their song. In May, 
at evening, I have often listened to them, when, having chosen 
a high perch, they have sung sweetly and loudly; and it was 
when thinking of such singing that Wilson wrote: ‘‘The human 
being, who, amidst such scenes, and in such seasons of rural 
serenity and delight, can pass them with cold indifference, and 
even contempt, I sincerely pity ; for abject must that heart be, 
and callous those feelings, and depraved that taste, which 
neither the charms of nature, nor the melody of innocence, nor 
the voice of devotion of gratitude or devotion reach.” 
§ 2. Saxicolide. Stone-chats and bluebirds. (See §1.) 
I. SIALIA 
(A) statis. (astern) Blue Bird. 
(Very common in Massachusetts during the warmer half of 
the year.) 
(a). 63-7 inches long. Above, bright blue (in females, im- 
mature specimens, and specimens in winter-plumage, often in- 
terrupted by dull-colored patches). Belly white; other under 
parts bright, ruddy brown or chestnut. @ usually much duller 
or paler than @. 
(vb). The nest is generally placed in the hole of a tree or 
post, or in a bird-box. The eggs, which measure about ‘85 X 
