217 
Field Marks. Heavily spotted breast and evenly coloured back and tail will separate 
this from all but the Olive-backed. The lack of buff tones on the side of the face will 
differentiate it from that species though in actual field work it is only under the most favour- 
able circumstances that this character can be made out with certainty and many specimens 
seen in the dark woods or the fleeting moments given for observation go unidentified. 
SUBSPECIES. Alice’s Thrush is divided into two geographical races: the Grey- 
cheeked, the type, and Bicknell’s Thrush H.a. bicknelli. The latter in Canada is confined 
as far as we know now to the Maritime Provinces below the gulf of St. Lawrence, but the 
distribution of the two forms in eastern Canada is not well worked out. 
Distribution. Northern North America; breeding mainly in Canada from the edges 
of settlement northward. 
758a. Olive-backed Thrush. FR.—LA GRIVE DE SWAINSON. Hylocichla ustulata. 
L, 7:17. Plate XLIX A. 
Distinctions. Evenly coloured back without colour variation on either head or tail and 
heavily spotted breast will separate this from all the thrushes but Alice’s. The distinctly 
buffy cast of the cheeks instead of cold grey will differentiate it from that species. 
Field Marks. Back and breast characters as above. The facial coloration which 
separates it from Alice’s can only be seen under the most favourable conditions and many 
individuals usually go unidentified. 
Nesting. In bushes or small trees about 4 feet above the ground, in nest of coarse 
grasses, moss, rootlets, leaves, and bark lined with rootlets and grass. 
Distribution. As a species, all of North America; breeding mostly in Canada from 
the edges of cultivation northward. Swainson’s Thrush extends west to the Rocky 
mountains. 
SUBSPECIES. The Olive-backed Thrush is divided into two subspecies. The type 
race, under the name of Russet-backed Thrush, is a Pacific Coast form. The Eastern 
Olive-back or Swainson’s Thrush H.wu. swainsoni is the only one in eastern Canada. 
In spring and autumn the open woods are invaded by great numbers 
of these evenly coloured, spotted-breasted thrushes on their way to and 
from their breeding grounds. They are rather wary and the numerical 
proportion of each species present can usually only be estimated. 
759. Hermit Thrush. Fr.—LA GRIVE SOLITAIRE. Hylocichla guttata. L, 7°17. 
Plate XLIX B. 
Distinctions. Very similar to the last two but the tail reddish brown in contrast with 
the olive-brown of the back. 
Field Marks. Brown back and white, spotted breast identifies it as a Thrush. The 
ae coloration of the tail contrasting with the olive back serves for the identification 
e species. 
_ Nesting. On ground in nest of moss, coarse grasses, and leaves lined with rootlets and 
pine needles. 
Distribution. As a species, all of northern North America. The Eastern Hermit 
Thrush extends westward to near the mountains and north to the tree limits, breeding usually 
just beyond the cultivated districts but irregularly to or near our southern boundary. 
_ SUBSPECIES. The Hermit Thrush is a flexible and adaptable species represented 
in America by some six recognized subspecies. The typical form is an Alaskan race. 
Eastern Canada has only one subspecies, the Eastern Hermit Thrush Hg. pailasi. 
aie The Hermit Thrush is one of our most famous singers. Unfortunately, 
it is usually silent as it passes through southern Canada and is heard 
at its best only in the northern coniferous woods. 
761. American Robin. FR.—LE MERLE D’AMERIQUE. Planesticus migratorius. 
L,10. PlateL A. : 
Distinctions. The robin is too distinctly marked and well known to require special 
description. : 
Field Marks. The robin is recognizable by those acquainted with the species, at 
great distances, when no colour is visible, by its outline, carriage, and manner of flight. 
Nesting. Frequently in fruit or shade trees or about buildings, in nest of coarse 
grasses, leaves, rootlets, etc., with an inner wall of mud lined with fine grasses. 
