OF NEW ENGLAND. 83 



quisitely sweet, and begins with a burst of melody, which be- 

 comes softer and more delicate until the last note dies away, 

 lost in the ripple of the stream, above which the birds are gen- 

 erally perched. It is probably sometimes repeated at night, as 

 is the song of the Wood ' Wagtail,' and how enchanted should 

 I be to hear it in the coolness of the woods and stillness of 

 the night." It may quite often be heard in spring, during the 

 migrations and the season of courtship, as well as the ordinary 

 note of these birds, a sharp chick, which usually expresses 

 alarm. As I have heard it, however, it is a simple song, 

 merely characterized by unusual loudness and clearness. It is 

 greatly to be regretted that not more persons are familiar with 

 the pleasing music of the Water "Thrushes," whose love of 

 retirement has unfortunately allowed few others than natural- 

 ists to know them. 



(B) LUDOVICIANUS. Large-billed Water " Thrush." Water 

 Warbler. 



(So far as I know, the only instances known of this bird 

 coming to Massachusetts and northern New England, are 

 those recorded by Mr. Allen, who shot one "April 28, 1869, 

 on Mount Tom," and by Mr. Irving Frost, who shot another 

 * at Norway, Maine, in May, 1865.") 



(a). About six inches long. Like the last species, but be- 

 low buffy, chiefly behind, with fewer and less prominent streaks 

 (none on the throat), and with " legs pale." 



(fr). The nest and eggs are like those of the common Water 

 Thrush, but the latter are a little larger, averaging -90X'70 of 

 an inch. 



(c) . The Large-billed Water Thrushes have a very different 

 habitat from their immediate relations, and very rarely occur 

 in New England. They are closely allied to the Water Wag- 

 tails in habits ; like those birds, frequenting woodland and the 

 neighborhood of water, and being addicted to wading and to 

 jerking their tails. 



(d) . Their ordinary note is probably the same chuck, but their 

 song is said to be more glorious than that of the other species, 



