The Wood thrush 287 



together with sticks and twigs, form the bottom and sides of the struc- 

 ture. Mud is brought to make the inner cup secure and strong. This 

 feature of the nest follows closely the architectural plan employed by the 

 Robin. The similarity ends here, however, for the Wood Thrush's nest 

 is usually lined with fine rootlets, while the Robin seems to prefer dried 

 grass for this purpose. In this secure structure the baby birds usually 

 find a safe cradle until the time comes for them to launch forth into the 

 world of dangers about them. 



The eggs are usually deposited one each day, until the full com- 

 plement has been reached. Four is the number most usually laid, 



YOUNG WOOD THRUSH JUST AFTER LEAVING NEST 



Photographed by B. S. Bowdish 



although the bird may sometimes be found engaged in the business of 



incubation with only three, and, again, five may be 



seen. The color is a delightful bluish-green, but 



compared with other green eggs this tint is lighter 



not so deep as that of the Catbird's eggs. In fact these eggs resemble 



very closely those of the Robin, and if they were only slightly darker, it 



would be almost impossible to distinguish the two. 



In reference to its food, the Wood Thrush is classified as an insect- 

 eating bird, and its value as such has become so generally recognized 

 that it is now protected by local laws in all parts of the United States 

 where it is found. As an additional safeguard, a measure, known as 

 the McLean, or Migratory Bird Law, which was enacted by Congress 



