92 PASSERES. TURDID^E. 



GENUS TURDUS. (LiNN.) 



This extensive genus, which restricted as it now 

 is, comprises nearly a hundred and twenty species, 

 is distinguished by having the beak slightly arched 

 from the base to the tip, the notch distinct, and 

 the gape set with weak and fine hairs ; the wings 

 are somewhat lengthened, the first quill so short 

 as to be almost rudimentary, the third and fourth 

 longest; the tail of moderate length and breadth; 

 the feet formed for walking as well as perching 

 on trees. 



The Thrushes are, to a considerable extent, 

 migratory in their habits, flocks frequently re- 

 moving from one district of country to another, 

 even in those climates, where the seasons are 

 sufficiently equable to allow of their remaining 

 without inconvenience from the weather. Thus 

 not only do the European species resort to the 

 more temperate parts during winter, and on the 

 approach of summer assemble in great numbers, 

 and return to the more northern regions, but some 

 of the American species are continually roving 

 about in flocks, "innumerable thousands," mi- 

 grating from one region to another through the 

 whole winter. Their food is very varied ; a great 

 portion of it is sought upon the ground., and their 

 feet are admirably formed for walking over the 

 places whither they chiefly resort for this pur- 

 pose. In winter the various species of slugs and 

 snails, with earthworms and grubs, that are found 

 in open weather in moist woods and meadows, 1 

 constitute their principal support; but during 

 frosts they subsist on various berries and other 



