DESCRIPTIVE LIST 329 



59. FAMILY TURDID>. THRUSHES AND BLUEBIRDS 



The thrushes constitute a large and cosmopolitan family, represented by more 

 species in the Old World than in America. They are mostly plain-colored, and 

 many of them are fine singers, as is well illustrated by the Wood Thrush in America 

 and the Song Thrush in Europe. 



KEY TO GENERA 



1. Breast spotted. Hylocichla. 



1. Breast not spotted. See 2. 



2. Color not blue. Planesticus. 

 2. Color blue. Sialia. 



Genus Hylocichla^ (Baird) 



This includes all those thrushes of our fauna which have the breast spotted in 

 the adult as well as in the young. 



KEY TO SPECIES 



1. Sides as well as breast distinctly spotted; ground-color of underparts white. Wood Thrush. 



1. Sides grayish or brownish, unspotted; breast more or less tinged with buffy. See 2. 



2. Tail rufous, in decided contrast with dull brown of back. Hermit Thrush. 



2. Tail same color as back. See 3. 



3. A distinct buffy orbital ring. Olive-backed Thrush. 



3. No lighter orbital ring. See 4. 



4. Tawny brown above; chest creamy buff with rather indistinct spots. Veery. 



4. Olive-brown above; chest pale buffy, with large distinct spots. See 5. 



5. Length 7.00-7.75; wing 3.75 or more. Gray-cheeked Thrush. 

 5. Length 6.25-7.25; wing about 3.75 or less. BicknelVs Thrush. 



FIG. 270. WOOD THRUSH. 



335. Hylocichla mustelina (Gmel.}. WOOD THRUSH. 



Description. Cinnamon brown, brightest on head and becoming olive on the rump; breast 

 white, with large round distinct spots, except on the throat and center of belly. L., 8.25; W., 

 4.35; T., 2.90. 



Range. Eastern United States, wintering beyond our borders in Central America, West 

 Indies, etc. 



Range in North Carolina. Whole State in summer. 



