490 VARIED THRUSH. 
Columbia they are only winter birds of passage, arriving about October, 
and continuing more or less frequently throughout the winter. At this 
time they flit through the forest in small flocks, frequenting usually 
low trees, on which they perch in perfect silence, and are at times very 
timorous and difficult of approach, having all the shy sagacity of the 
Robin, and appearing at all times in a very desultory manner.” 
The numerous specimensof this Thrush in my possession have enabled 
me to compare it with Turdus migratorius, and another new Thrush 
from Chili. On examining the tail, from the shape of which Mr 
Swainson considers this species allied to our Mocking Bird, I found 
its form, length, and extent beyond the wings, to correspond almost 
exactly with those of the tail of our Robin ; and, if it proves true that 
the Varied Thrush forms a nest bedded with mud, it will strengthen 
my opinion that both these and the Chilian species are as nearly allied 
as possible, and therefore ought to be considered as true Thrushes, of 
which, to assume the language of systematic writers, Turdus migrato- 
rius is the type in America, whilst Turdus Merula is that of Europe: 
The two figures' in my plate were taken from adult males shot in 
spring. You will find a figure of the female in Plate CCCCX XXIII. 
Turpus navius, Gel. Syst. Nat. vol. i. p. 817.—Lath. Ind. Ornith. vol. i. p. 331. 
ORPHEUS MERULOIDES, THRUSH-LIKE Mock-sirp, Richards. and Swains. Fauna 
Bor.-Amer. vol. ii. p. 187. 
Adult Male: Plate CCCLXIX. Figs. 2, 3. 
Billof moderate length, rather strong, compressed, acute; upper mandi- 
ble with its dorsal outline slightly arched, the ridge narrow, the sides 
convex toward the end, the edges sharp, overlapping, destitute of notch, 
there being in its place an extremely slight sinus, the tip a little decli- 
nate ; lower mandible with the angle rather long and narrow, the dor- 
sal line very slightly convex, the ridge narrow, the sides erect and con- 
vex, the edges sharp and slightly decurved towards the narrow, rather 
obtuse, tip. Nostrils basal, oblong, half closed by a horny operculum. 
Head of moderate size, ovate, convex anteriorly ; neck rather short, 
body moderately full. Feet of ordinary length, rather stout; tarsus 
compressed, anteriorly covered with a long plate and four inferior 
seutella, posteriorly with two long plates meeting at a very acute angle. 
Toes rather large, the first strongest, the lateral nearly equal, the 
ae ee ne ee 
