BIRDS OF KANSAS. 577 



especially on the tail coverts. A dusky maxillary line; the fore part of breast 

 and sides of body with arrow-shaped streaks of the same color. Chin, throat, 

 belly and under tail coverts entirely immaculate. Sexes similar. Young not 

 seen. 



"Autumnal specimens have a more or less strong wash of ochraceous over 

 the flanks and crissuin, and the brown above rather darker and less grayish than 

 in spring birds." 



Stretch of 

 Length. wing. Wing. Tail. Tarsus. Dill. 



Male 6.20 10.00 3.25 2.30 .90 .55 



Female... 6.00 9.75 3.15 2.15 .90 .53 



Iris dark brown; bill brownish black to dusky; legs, feet and 

 claws flesh color. 



This species, like Grinn ell's Water Thrush, inhabits the low 

 bottom, timbered lands bordering the edges of water, preferring 

 running streams; a shy, retiring bird, that runs for cover the 

 moment it sights an intruder, but is so restless that, if you will 

 stand motionless, it will reappear in a short time and continue 

 its rambles in quest of food, chiefly insect life, minute snails, 

 etc., and in search for the same will often wade until its body 

 touches the water. Its motions are peculiar: a continued tilting 

 of the body and jerking of the tail. Its flights are easy and 

 direct, but low, and usually short. It is one of our earliest and 

 sweetest songsters; sings from the perch, with tremulous wings 

 and inflated throat, a rich and almost unrivaled song of power 

 and melody. Its ordinary note, a sharp "Chip," is often heard. 



Their nests are placed on the ground, under projecting roots, 

 old logs and fissures in rocks, on the banks of streams and ponds, 

 and near the water's edge. They are composed of leaves and 

 mosses, and lined with fine grasses, fibers and hairs; the foun- 

 dation is wholly of leaves, with mud generally between the lay- 

 ers to hold them in place. Eggs three to six usually four or 

 five, ,76x. 59 (they vary in size); white to creamy white, spot- 

 ted with varying shades of reddish brown, and shell stains of 

 lilac gray, usually thickest about the larger end; in form, oval 

 to rounded oval. 



GENUS GEOTHLYPIS CABANIS. 



'Bill sylvlcoline, rather depressed, and distinctly notched; rictal bristle* 

 very short or wanting. Wings short, rounded, scarcely longer than the tail; 

 the first quill shorter than the fourth. Tail long, much rounded or graduated; 



37 



