Nests in Buildings, Bridges, Walls, Etc. 



The nest, scarcely worthy of the name, is a small collection 

 of feathers, grass, and straw, placed under bridges, in stone walls, 

 or in holes in banks. 4 to 6, and rarely 8, white eggs are laid. 

 Size .71 x .50. 



These birds generally build near water, the nests being 

 frequently placed in crevices between the stones of bridge abut- 

 ments, or even on the beams. 



The eggs are laid early in May, many days being occupied 

 in building the nest. 



675. Water-thrush : Sefurus noveboracensis (Gmel.) 



Adult Upper parts olive brown, somewhat darker on the head; 

 line above the eye buff, or nearly white; under parts white, 

 more or less tinged with light yellow, numerous spots form- 

 ing broken streaks, less numerous on the belly ; the indi- 

 vidual spots, particularly those on the breast, are V-shaped. 

 Length 6.04. 



Breeding Range The Northern States, from northern New Eng- 

 land northward. 



The nest is composed principally of moss, with leaves and 

 roots, and lined with fine hair-like roots. It is placed among the 

 roots of a tree where the bank has fallen away, in a bank, or 

 similar place. The eggs are white, with rather large cinnamon 

 or hazel-brown spots, more thickly distributed about the larger 

 end. Size .76 x .59. 



To find the nest of any of the Water-thrushes requires more 

 than ordinary patience and skill, as they are most cleverly hidden 

 among the overhanging roots along the banks of a stream, or in 

 a mossy bank, usually not far from water. These birds may be 

 seen in damp woods, dried up watercourses, but most frequently 

 along a shallow stream, where they stand or walk on the stones, 

 moving their tails up and down, after the manner of the wag- 

 tails, and making short, rapid flights to catch the various insects 

 that fly near the surface of the water. The breeding season 

 begins during the second week in May. 



675a. Grinnell's Water-thrush: S. n. notabilis (Ridgw.) 



Very similar to the water-thrush, but somewhat larger and 

 darker on the upper parts. Nesting habits, nests, and eggs identical. 

 Breeding Range From Illinois westward and northward. 



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