(90) 



TURDUS MINOR— GMEL. 



HERMIT THRUSH. 



Hermit Thrush, Turdus solitarius, Wils. Amer. Orn. 

 Hermit Thrush. Turdus minor, Aud. Orn. Biog. 

 Turdus minor, Bonap. Syn. 



Little or Hermit Thrush, Turdus minor, Nutt. Man. 

 Merula solitaria, Hermit Thrush, Sw. & Rich. 



Specific Character — Adult with the upper parts deep olive brown- 

 rump, upper tail coverts and tail brownish-red ; throat, fore neck 

 and fore part of the breast approaching to cream color, and marked 

 with brownish-black spots, which become more faint on the lower 

 part of the breast, which, with the abdomen is white ; lower tail 

 coverts and sides of the rump pale buff; the sides of the body- 

 tinged with olive. Length seven inches, wing three and three 

 quarters. 



In the Southern States the Hermit Thrush is a constant resident. 

 About the middle of May it arrives on Long Island, and takes up 

 its abode during the summer in the deep and shady parts of the 

 woods- It is generally seen alone, hopping about on the ground, or 

 among the low bushes, in search of berries, on which it feeds, or 

 perched on a low bough uttering its plaintive note. By a casual 

 observer this species might be mistaken for the Wood Thrush, 

 which it somewhat resembles in plumage. It can, however, be 

 readily distinguished by its smaller size. The plumage is duller, 

 and it differs in its manners. At times the Hermit Thrush is heard 

 chanting a low and musical song, but it is destitute of those sweet, 

 clear and rich tones which characterise the song of the Wood 

 Thrush. Its nest is usually placed on low branches, and is formed 

 of grass and weeds of different kinds, with great attention to the 

 neatness of the interior. The eggs, from four to five and some- 

 times six in number, are pale greenish blue, spotted with olive. 



