SONGS. 291 



Though birds of the same species very closely 

 resemble each other in the general tenor of their 

 song-, individuals differ widely both in the introduc- 

 tion of particular passages, the result probably of 

 accidental acquirements, and in skill of execution, 

 as well as in intonation, the latter peculiarities obvi- 

 ously depending on physical varieties in their vocal 

 organs. Wilson says he was so familiar with the notes 

 of an individual wood-thrush (Turdus melodus) that 

 he could recognise him above his fellows the moment 

 he entered the woods*. 



Mr. Knapp has the following excellent and ac- 

 curate remarks on the same subject. " Birds/' he 

 says, " of one species sing, in general, very like each 

 other, with different degrees of execution. Some 

 counties may produce finer songsters, but without 

 great variation in the notes. In the thrush, however, 

 it is remarkable, that there seems to be no regular 

 notes, each individual piping a voluntary of his 



* Amer. Ornith. 



