48 DOWNS ON LAND BIRDS OF NOVA SCOTIA, 



Great American Shrike — (Lanms horealis). — This bird is 

 common in winter time, and is very daring, attacking even canaries 

 in cages at a window. I think it breeds north, as it is not observed 

 here in summer. 



Robin, or Migratory Thrush — (Turdus migratorius). — Of this 

 bird I need say but little, as all people, old and young, are 

 cheered by his presence and song in spring. It also enlivens the 

 homes of the Newfoundlanders at the same season. Arrives here 

 about St. Patrick's day ; a few stop with us all winter. 



Hermit Thrush — (T. solitarius). — Common, although not 

 generally observed. Its sweet yet melancholy note, given from 

 the top of a spruce, late in the evening, induces the settlers to 

 name it "the nightingale.'''' It lays four eggs of a blue colour in 

 a nest on the ground, formed of dry grass and small roots, and is 

 generally placed under the shade of the ground juniper. 



Olivaceous Thrush— ^(T. olivaceous). — This species may be 

 readily taken for the last. It makes a far different nest however, 

 building in trees; the ego^ is also very diiferent in colour. Its 

 plumage is more of an olive green, while the former is of a rich 

 brown. 



Cat Bird — (T. felivox). — This is a common bird, but does not 

 arrive until the summer is well advanced. It breeds in the alder 

 swamps about the Dutch Village, and lays four blue eggs. Some 

 of my neighbours have several of these birds in cages at the present 

 time. It is the best song bird we have. 



GoLDEN-CROWNED Thrush — (T. avrocajnllus). — Very common 

 in the wooded districts, but hardly ever seen in the open. It 

 builds an oven- shaped nest, and lays four eggs. Its note is loud 

 and rapid and makes the woods ring with its echoes. In habit it 

 is shy and solitary. 



Water Thrush — (Ciriclus Americanus). — This species is found 

 about the margins of solitary lakes in the woods, and appears to 

 delight in running in the shallows, searching for water beetles and 

 other insects. It has long and slender white legs well suited to its 

 habits, which are somewhat similar to those of the water wagtails 

 of England. 



American Pipit — (Anthus LndoviciamisJ. — This bird generally 

 arrives here on its way to the south about the 20th September, and 



