XCII 



VARIED THRUSH; OREGON ROBIN 

 763. Ixoreus naevius 



In general shape and size the Varied Thrush re- 

 sembles the common Robin, though its retiring disposi- 

 tion and the secluded locality selected for its breeding 

 habitat are not in keeping with the bold familiarity of 

 the other bird and the frontyard selection for its home 

 site. 



This beautiful thrush is easily identified, if one will 

 only recall its distribution. It is a bird of the Pacific 

 slope, breeding from southern Alaska to central Califor- 

 nia, and winters in practically the same area. I have 

 found it nesting in the same locality as the Russet-backed 

 Thrush (Hylocichla ustulata). (Fig. 143.) 



Of much interest to me was this Thrush in its home 

 surroundings along the sloping sides of Mt. Rainier (or 

 Mt. Tacoma), the greatest volcanic cone of the United 

 States. Within a few feet of the great ice river flowing 

 from the summit and sides of the crystal-capped peak, 

 amidst the irresistible onrushes of the avalanches and 

 thunderous roar of the forming glacial crevasses, this 

 bird builds its nest and rears its young, happy in its se- 

 clusion and boreal environs, still within a temperate zone. 

 Why should it migrate within the Arctic Circle during the 

 summer, when the frozen North and a trunda laden with 

 food supply may be found a few miles from its winter 

 resort? 



The Varied Thrush is much of a ground-feeder, pre- 

 ferring a vegetable diet. However, it destroys many 

 myriads of insects. Its song of long-drawn notes is in 

 keeping with its isolation and shyness, but does not com- 

 pare favorably with the sweet, liquid refrain of the Wood 

 Thrush or Verry. The nest is bulky and is located in 

 small trees, near the ground. The eggs are four in num- 

 ber and are a pale greenish-blue with brown specks. 



840 



