58 TURDID^E I THRUSHES. 



abundant than the Hermit, especially during the mi- 

 grations, in most localities ; moreover, it arrives rather 

 later in the spring, and does not linger so long in 

 the autumn. Entering Connecticut early in May, it 

 passes on to the Canadian Fauna during that month ; a 

 few doubtless breed in elevated portions of Massachu- 

 setts, but the majority go farther north. Leaving its 

 breeding grounds early in September, it is commonly 

 seen in southern New England during that month and 

 about half of October, generally in small, straggling 

 companies, which flit secretly through the woods and 

 shrubbery, or ramble quietly over the ground, among 

 fallen leaves. In some parts of Maine and New 

 Hampshire it is the commonest Thrush, except the 

 Robin, during the breeding season. Its usual resorts 

 are similar to those of the Hermit, but the mode of 

 nesting, as well as the eggs, is quite different, though 

 the structure of the nest itself is much the same. The 

 nest is built not upon the ground, but in a bush or small 

 tree, at a man's height, or beyond it. The first set of 

 eggs is laid about the ist of June, and there may be 

 a second set five or six weeks later. These are usu- 

 ally four in number, dull greenish-blue in ground-color, 

 but freely speckled with brownish. In size they are not 

 distinctively different from those of the Hermit, but 

 may average a trifle larger. The Olive-back has a 

 pleasing song while mating and nesting, and is not at 

 all chary of its vocalization at such times ; but nothing 

 will be heard from it during the migrations except a 

 sharp, abrupt call-note. Its general habits and tastes 

 are like those of the Hermit, the most evident differ- 

 ence between the two birds being in the position of 

 their nests and the times of their migrations. 



