36 



AVIFAUNA COLUMBIANA. 



is one of those most frequently found, as the birds are careless of its 

 concealment, however vigilant and solicitous for its protection. The 

 eggs are greenish-blue, without markings, like those of the Robin but 

 smaller. Some pairs always nest in shrubbery in the parks and gar- 

 dens within city limits. [16.] 



9. (102.) Harporhynchus rufus (Linn.) Cab. Brown Thrush; Thrasher; 

 "Trench Mocking-bird ; " "Sandy Mocking-bird." 



An abundant summer resident; arrives about the 20th of April, re- 

 maining until early in October. It frequents thickets, brushwood, and 



L 





Fig. 4. — Head of Brown Thrush, uat. size. 



undergrowth of other kinds, particularly along Rock Creek. The nest 

 is usually placed in a low bush; the eggs are 4-6 in number, speckled. 

 This is one of our finest songsters, having like the Cat-bird considerable 

 powers of mimicry as well as its proper song. [17] 



Subfamily SAXICOLIN^E : Blue-birds. 



10. (49.) Sialia sialis (Linn.) Haldt tn. Blue-bird. 



A very abundant and permanent resident. It disappears in severe 

 winter weather, but is found on warm sunny days during that season, 

 and becomes extremely numerous at the first blush of spring. It nests 

 plentifully within city limits as well as in the surrounding country, 

 building in holes in trees and fences as well as in the boxes set up for 

 its accommodation; the eggs are 4-6, pale bluish, unmarked. [27] 



Subfamily KEGULIN^E : Kinglets. 



11. (50.) Regulus calendula (L.) Licht. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. 



A very abundant spring and autumn migrant ; does not breed here, 

 and has never been observed in winter. In spring, appears from April 

 1 to May 10; in the fall, during the whole month of October and first 

 few days in ^November; more numerous at this season than during the 

 spring migration. It is generally distributed in woodland, but is found 

 less frequently in high, open woods than in orchards, thickets, copses, 



