BIRDS OF MINNESOTA. 435 



About the 20th of May they begin to build their nests in a 

 rather low bush, in their secluded haunts in deeply shaded 

 hollows in the woodlands near either a lake, or stream of run- 

 ning water. I have found them occupying the northern slope 

 of dry, brushy hillsides, yet this is exceptional. It is construc- 

 ted of weeds, grass, leaves, &c, compactly, and somewhat 

 artistically arranged outwardly with mud and grass, and lined 

 with moss, fibrous roots and flexible, soft, fine grass. The 

 eggs are usually four in number of a uniforn light blue color, 

 without spots and have a faint shade of green. They are 

 credited with but one brood in New England, but they do bet- 

 ter in Minnesota, bringing out two as a rule. Their food 

 varies somewhat with the season, but embraces various kinds 

 of berries, beetles, spiders, caterpillars, and a few varieties 

 of lichens. They retire southward about the middle of Sep- 

 tember. 



Less observed than most birds of striking song because of 

 its secluded breeding habits, it is nevertheless a common sum- 

 mer resident in its wonted localities throughout the entire 

 State yet explored. 



SPECIFIC CHARACTERS. 



Above clear cinnamon brown, on the top of the head becom-' 

 ing more rufous, on the rump and tail, olivaceous. Under 

 parts clear white, sometimes tinged with buff on the breast or 

 anteriorly, and thickly marked beneath, except on the chin 

 and throat, and about the vent and tail coverts, with subtri- 

 angular, sharply defined spots of blackish. Sides of head 

 dark brown, streaked with white, and there is also a maxillary 

 series of streaks on each side of the throat, the central portion 

 of which sometimes has indications of small spots. 



Length, 8.10; wing, 4.25; tail, 3.05; tarsus, 1.26. 



Habitat, eastern United States to Plains. 



TURDUS FUSCESCENS Stephens. (756.) 

 WILSON'S THRUSK. 



Wilson's Thrush makes its appearance in the State about the 

 beginning of the second week in May; the males preceding the 

 females only a few days. Pairing follows in due time, but not 

 until "many a knight has drawn his sword" and some fierce 

 battles have been fought in the presence of the most indifferent 

 of dulcinas. 



It builds its nest about the last week in May, occasionally 

 somewhat earlier. In speaking of this charming thrush I will 

 not deny myself the privilege of quoting from the inimitable 



