OF THE BIRDS MENTIONED 143 
indistinguishable, but male only sings. Note: Besides 
the well-known song, the note of alarm sounded by the 
mother bird when tending the young out of the nest 
till they can fly for themselves is very characteristic. 
Ifa cat or dog, or even a human being, approach the 
young birds, the hen will fly about anxiously giving a 
series of quick sharp sounds like Tchek, or Tchik. To 
imitate it close the teeth, and press the tongue firmly 
against them, then withdraw it backwards suddenly 
and the sound will be made by the air rushing in sharply 
through the teeth. It is the sound we make when vexed, 
or when we sympathize with a person who has lost some- 
thing, or who has been injured by somebody. The 
thrush’s song is chiefly heard in spring, during nesting 
time, but also during winter if the weather be warm. The 
male in singing is fond of the same perch, which is 
generally at the end of a decayed or leafless branch near 
the summit of a tree. Nest: Well concealed, or not. 
In March. Sztwated: In various positions, but always 
off the ground. Open cup shaped, and lined inside 
with a thin coating of mud. (The blackbird’s nest is 
not lined with mud.) Second nests: In May or June, 
sometimes even in July or August. Eggs: Light 
greenish-blue, speckled black. Most spots at the larger 
end: -Bivesor six. 
