198 SPRING AT THE CAPITAL. 



also large-billed water-thrush, and water- 

 wagtail. It is one of a trio of birds which 

 has confused the ornithologists much. The 

 other two species are the well-known golden- 

 crowned thrush {Seiurus aurocapillus) or 

 wood-wagtail, and the Northern, or small, 

 water-thrush ( Seiurus noveboracensis). 



The present species, though not abundant, 

 is frequently met with along Rock Creek. 

 It is a very quick, vivacious bird, and be- 

 longs to the class of ecstatic singers. I have 

 seen a pair of these thrushes, on a bright 

 May day, flying to and fro between two 

 spring runs, alighting at intermediate points, 

 the male breaking out into one of the most 

 exuberant, unpremeditated strains I ever 

 heard. Its song is a sudden burst, begin- 

 ning with three or four clear round notes 

 much resembling certain tones of the clario- 

 net, and terminating in a rapid, intricate 

 warble. 



This bird resembles a thrush only in its 

 color, which is olive-brown above, and gray- 

 ish-white beneath, with speckled throat and 

 breast. Its habits, manners, and voice sug- 

 gest those of the lark. 



I seldom go the Rock Creek route without 

 being amused and sometimes annoyed by the 



