22 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



ants with the common earthworm are also devoured 

 with avidity. 



The flight of this species is low, resembling that 

 of Turdus mustelinus, but slightly less sustained. 

 Its ground-movements are accomplished by short 

 hops or jumps properly speaking, and do not 

 differ in this respect from those so eminently char- 

 acteristic of the Thrushes. 



As its habits of feeding are pre-eminently ter- 

 restrial, and generally in secluded peaces under- 

 neath coniferous trees, one little acquainted with 

 its nidification might reasonably look for its nest 

 in similar situations. In fact it is precisely in such 

 places that it breeds according to the testimony of 

 able writers. It may be true as a rule, though 

 subject to some exceptions however, that the 

 nidificating habits of a species, whether terrestrial 

 or arboreal in character, bear a definite relation to 

 its habits of feeding. Ground-feeders mainly 

 construct their nests upon the soil, or among the 

 branches of low shrubbery. On the contrary, 

 those that seek their food among the branches of 

 trees, or within the crevices of bark, are usually 

 tree-builders. 



This Thrush does not nidificate in our latitude. 

 According to Dr. Brewer its nest is " built on the 

 ground, most generally either under the low 

 bushes, or in the open ground, rarely, if ever 

 among thick trees, and for the most part in low 

 swampy places." It is said to resemble the nest 

 of Turdus fiiscescens, and is " composed of decayed 



