106 FERRUGINOUS THRUSH. 



captivity. Some planters complain of their propensity to scratch the 

 ground for the purpose of picking up the newly planted corn ; but I am 

 of opinion that the scratching has reference exclusively to worms or beetles, 

 their strong legs and feet being well adapted for this purpose ; and, 

 generally speaking, they are great favourites, as they commit few depre- 

 dations on the crops. 



This species, as well as the R,obin and some others of this genus, suffer 

 greatly during the autumnal moults, and when in cages at this season, 

 become almost naked of feathers. The young acquire the full beauty of 

 their plumage during the first winter. 



TuEDUS HUFUS, Linru Syst. Nat. vol. i. p. 293. — Lath. Ind. Ornith. vol. i. p. 338— 

 Ch. Bonaparte, Synops. of Birds of the United States, p. 75. 



Ferruginous Thrush, Turdus rufus, Wils. Amer. Ornith. voL ii. p. 83. pi. 14, 

 fig. 1 Nuttall, Manual, vol. L p. 328. 



Orpheus rufus, Fox-coloured Mock-Bird, Swains.&aA Richards. Fauna Boreali- 

 Amer. part ii. p. 189. 



Adult Male. Plate CXVI. Fig. 1. 1. 



Bill rather long and slender, slightly arched, compressed, acute ; upper 

 mandible slightly arched in its dorsal Une and acute edges, the tip de- 

 clinate ; lower mandible nearly straight along the back. Nostrils basal, 

 oblong, half-closed by a membrane. The general form is rather slender 

 and elegant, like that of the Mocking Bird. Feet longish, rather strong ; 

 tarsus compressed, anteriorly covered with a few long scutella, sharp be- 

 hind ; toes scutellate above, free ; claws compressed, arched, acute. 



Plumage soft and blended. Wings of moderate length, rounded, the 

 first primary very short, the fourth and fifth longest. Tail very long, of 

 twelve straight rounded feathers. 



Bill black, the base of the lower mandible light blue. Iris yellow. 

 Feet dusky-brown. The general colour of the plumage above is a bright 

 reddish -brown, the quills dusky on their inner webs, and the wings crossed 

 with two white bars margined anteriorly with black, being on the tips of 

 the smaller and secondary coverts. The lower parts are yellowish-white, 

 the breast and sides marked with triangular dark-brown spots, the lower 

 tail-coverts pale brownish-red. 



Length 11^ inches, extent of wings 13 ; bill along the back 1, along 

 the edge l/^ ' tarsus 1/^. 



