WILSON'S THRUSH. 311 



This species is often called the " Veery," probably from 

 some fancied resemblance of the word to the notes of his 

 song. That resemblance to my ear, however, is the slight- 

 est possible. The name is simply a degrading epithet. 



In accordance with its terrestrial habits in general, Tur- 

 dus fuscescens builds its nest on or near the ground, often on 

 a little bunch of dried brush and leaves, or on the side of a 

 knoll, generally where a small opening in the tall trees lets 

 in the genial rays of the sun. It is rather a rude structure, 

 sometimes frail, sometimes bulky, the foundation being of 

 dried and skeleton leaves mixed with straw, weed-stalks, 

 sticks, or coarse shreds of bark from the wild grape-vine; 

 the lining being of skeleton leaves and very fine rootlets, 

 perhaps a few pine-needles or dried grasses. The structure 

 is quite unique, and from its location can scarcely be mis- 

 taken. The eggs, generally 4, some .80 x .60, are light 

 bluish-green, and decidedly pretty. 



Though generally a shy and sly bird, it will sometimes 

 become quite confidential. Strolling through the woods 

 some time ago I happened on a nest of callow young. The 

 mother sat closely. Almost within arm's reach of the 

 nest, I watched her for several minutes, she looking at me 

 also with an indescribable expression in her large brown 

 eyes. As she left the nest, finally, I noticed that, being six 

 inches or so from the ground, and rather poorly supported, 

 it was very much tilted on one side, thus endangering the 

 safety of the young. I righted it up, shoved a handful of 

 dried leaves under it to make it firm, and passed on. A few 

 hours later I returned, happening to pass the very same 

 spot, when lo! the bird had become so tame, and looked at 

 me seemingly with such an expression of gratitude and 

 confidence, that the nearest proximity to the nest did not 

 appear to disturb her. 



