Plate LVIII. 



HYLOC/CHLA FUSCESCENS-Wilson's Thrush. 



The Wilson's Thrush is occasionally found breeding in the Southern States, but its summer residence is 

 chiefly the Eastern United States north of the 42° of latitude. I have never seen it in Ohio except during 

 its spring and fall migrations, but it undoubtedly nests in rare instances in the southern and middle portions 

 of the State and more commonly in the northern counties. Dr. J. M. Wheaton considers it a summer resi- 

 dent in Northern Ohio and possibly in all parts of the State ; and Dr. F. W. Langdon has met with it 

 as late as June in Hamilton County. Wherever found during the latter part of May or in the month 

 of June it undoubtedly breeds. In the North-eastern States two broods are often reared by a single 

 pair; the first nest being constructed the latter part of May, the second in July. 



LOCALITY : 



The nest of this species like that of the Wood Thrush is built in retired woods, where the ground 

 is damp and the trees are mossy, and in shady ravines beside running springs and boggy earth. The 

 bird is naturally shy, and usually avoids man, but instances are recorded where it has made its home in 

 a country garden and even in a city laAvn. 



POSITION : 



The nest like that of the Chewink is generally placed on the ground, beside a log, at the roots of 

 bushes, or in a tussock of grass among the dead and semi-decayed leaves of the woods. When not sup- 

 ported by the ground or a bed of leaves, it is built in a low crotch, a thicket of branches, or some such 

 place. Mr. C. J. Maynard, in " Birds of Eastern North America," writes as follows concerning the nest- 

 ing habits of this Thrush in Massachusetts where it is very common: " They generally build their nests 

 during the last week in May; nearly always in the thick woods. It is usually placed upon the ground 

 by the side of a prostrate tree or log or else at the foot of a clump of bushes. The situation chosen is 

 almost always upon a sloping hillside, near a swamp, where the trees grow thick and the shade is dense. 

 But a short time since, however, I was suprised by seeing a nest built on an apple-tree in the orchard 

 of the well known apiarist, Mr. H. Alley, at Wenham. The nest was placed on the tops of some twigs 

 and limbs, after the manner of the Cuckoos, and at the height of ten feet from the ground. It was con- 

 structed of much the same material as usual, and contained four eggs in an advanced stage of incuba- 

 tion. This is the first out of many instances where I have found the nest of this bird in any other situa- 

 tion than on the ground." 



MATERIALS : 



Weed-stems, leaves, leaf-stems, grap-vine bark, grass, rootlets, and occasionally moss, comprise the 

 materials of most nests. Two nests before me, which are average specimens, are composed as follows: 



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