PASSERES TROGLODYTID^E 197 



The Catbird reaches the state shortly after April 20, 

 rarely earlier, and soon becomes common. The bulk of the 

 species has gone south by the 10th of September, but indi- 

 viduals may remain well into October. 



277. (705.) TOXOSTOMA RUFUM (Linn.). 9. 

 Brown Thrasher. 



Synonyms: Harporhynchus rufus, Turdus rufus, Mimus rufus. 

 Brown Thrush, Thrasher, Sand Mockingbird, French Mock- 

 ingbird, Ferrugineous Thrush, Fox-colored Mockbird. 



Kirtland, Ohio, Geol. Surv., 1838 163. 



Although fairly common, the Brown Thrasher is far less 

 numerous than its cousin, the Catbird. It is a great lover 

 of hedgerows and overgrown line fences where narrow 

 thickets have formed. It may also be found in brushy tan- 

 gles, but not in woods proper. 



Sixty-four per cent, of what the Brown Thrasher eats is 

 animal matter, mostly injurious insects, while only 36 per 

 cent, is vegetable. This bird also eats fruit in its season, 

 but the bulk of its vegetable food is of no use to man. It is 

 one of the distinctly beneficial species which sometimes does 

 some damage. 



Contrary to what we might expect, this bird is an early 

 April arrival from the south, rarely appearing late in 

 March. The late snow-storms do not seem to inconvenience 

 it. Individuals may be found during the first week in 

 October. 



Subfamily TROGLODYTIN./E. Wrens. 



Six species of wrens are found in Ohio. In the north the 

 House, and in the south Carolina and Bewick are famil- 

 iar about dwellings. The two Marsh Wrens have spoiled 

 their voices by living so much in the damp of the marshes, 

 but the other members of the group are good singers. The 

 tireless energy of these birds makes the classical ant look to 

 his laurels. We have nothing but commendation for the 

 services rendered by these birds, even if they do occasionally 

 usurp the dwellings of other birds. 



