134 BIRDS OF SOUTH DAKOTA 



FAMILY TURDID^:. THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS 

 i 



The Thrush family is well represented in South Dakota, 

 as indeed in all parts of the United States. It is preeminently 

 the singing family among birds ; and, as though one superb gift 

 was enough for one family, its members are clothed in modest 

 colors. 



754. TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE (Myadestes townsendi.) 



A summer resident of the Black Hills. One was taken 

 July 24, 1911 by S. S. Visher. 



Size of the Kingbird. Above, ashy brown ; wings and tail 

 darker, outer tail feathers edged with white ; below, light gray. 



755. WOOD THRUSH (Hylocichla mustelina.) 



The Wood Thrush is not widely distributed over the 

 State, but is a common resident in the southeastern corner. Its 

 upper parts are bright cinnamon brown; its under parts pure 

 white freely speckled with roundish black spots. It must not 

 be confused with the Olive-backed Veery and Gray-cheeked 

 Thrushes, all of which are smaller and more olivaceous. They 

 are not readily distinguished from each other but together form 

 a numerous group in migration. They do not nest within the 

 State. Neither must the Wood Thrush be confused with the 

 Brown Thrasher, which is similar in color, but has a curved bill, 

 yellow eye ring, long tail, and skulking manner. 



The Wood Thrush is a thoroughly lovable bird, with neat 

 form, graceful movements, and frank, open manner. They come 

 freely about our homes and often place their nests in the trees 

 of our yards, though ordinarily preferring a wooded ravine if 

 free from bird enemies. This Thrush is one of our best singers. 

 Its bell-like notes, uttered with marked pauses, are heard at 

 morning and evening and on cloudy days, the bird usually perch- 

 ing on some low branch as it sings. The song rivals that of the 

 Hermit Thrush, but, unlike the Hermit, it brings its melody to 

 our door instead of requiring us to go to the deep forest to 

 hear it. 



756. VEERY (Hylocichla fuscescens fuscescens.) 



This Thrush migrates in company with the Olive-backed 

 and Gray-cheeked Thrushes, and is not easily distinguishable 



