BIRDS OF MINNESOTA. 435 
About the 20th of May they begin to build their nests in a 
rather low bush, in their secluded haunts in deeply shaded 
hollows in the wooilands near either a lake, or stream of run- 
ning water. I have found them occupying the northern slope 
of dry, brushy hillsides, yet this is exceptional. It is construc- 
ted of weeds, grass, leaves, &c, compactly, and somewhat 
artistically arranged outwardly with mud and grass, and lined . 
with moss, fibrous roots and flexible, soft, fine grass. The 
eggs are usually four in number of a uniforn light blue color, 
without spots and have a faint shade of green. They are 
credited with but one brood in New England, but they do bet- 
ter in Minnesota, bringing out two as a rule. Their food 
varies somewhat with the season, but embraces various kinds 
of berries, beetles, spiders, caterpillars, and a few varieties 
of lichens. They retire southward about the middle of Sep- 
tember. 
Less observed than most birds of striking song because of 
_ its secluded breeding habits, it is nevertheless a common sum- 
mer resident in its wonted localities throughout the entire 
State yet explored. 
SPECIFIC CHARACTERS. 
Above clear cinnamon brown, on the top of the head becom- 
ing more rufous, on the rump and tail, olivaceous. Under 
parts clear white, sometimes tinged with buff on the breast or 
anteriorly, and thickly marked beneath, except on the chin 
and throat, and about the vent and tail coverts, with subtri- 
angular, sharply defined spots of blackish. Sides of head 
dark brown, streaked with white, and there is also a maxillary 
series of streaks on each side of the throat, the central portion 
of which sometimes has indications of small spots. 
Length, 8.10; wing, 4.25; tail, 3.05; tarsus, 1.26. 
Habitat, eastern United States to Plains. 
TURDUS FUSCESCENS SteEepuHens. (756.) 
WILSON’S THRUSH. 
Wilson's Thrush makes its appearance in the State about the 
beginning of the second weekin May; the males preceding the 
females only afewdays. Pairing follows in due time, but not 
until ‘‘many a knight has drawn his sword’ and some fierce 
battles have been fought in the presence of the most indifferent 
of dulcinas. 
It builds its nest about the last week in May, occasionally 
somewhat earlier. In speaking of this charming thrush I will 
not deny myself the privilege of quoting from the inimitable 
