BIRDS OF THE NORTHERN STATES 329 
brown patch under the tail. Its form is slim and graceful. Lives in 
bushes and small trees, and is a tireless and accomplished singer, 
though novices often know him only by his 
occasional cat-like mews. In his song he 
mimics the notes of many other birds and he 
likes to deliver it from the thickest bush he can 
find. Nest well hidden in bushes or vines. 
Common S.R. 
705 Brown Thrasher. Brown Thrush. 
Length 113 inches. 
Easily identified by its bright reddish brown 
upper parts, its large size, very long tail and 
long bill. Under parts white with many dark 
brown spots and streaks. This is a thicket- 
haunting bird, ordinarily shunning observation, 
but when the musical impulse seizes him he 
takes a prominent position — generally in the 
upper branches of a tree—and gives his 
entire attention to song for a considerable 
length of time. His performance is delight- 
ful. It has a similarity to that of the Catbird but the tones are 
stronger and richer, and it is free from the Catbird’s occasional 
harsh notes. Nest, in bushes or on the 
ground. S.R. 
Brown THRASHER 
721 House Wren. Length 5 inches. 
Sings at frequent intervals and with 
great energy, its head raised, tail dropped, 
and the whole body trembling with the 
exertion. The bird is dark brown; wings, 
tail, and sides cross-barred with faint 
dark lines; dusky white below. Of all 
birds the wrens are the most certain to 
accept our bird boxes for a home, but they 
will also nest in all sorts of holes and 
cavities about buildings and trees. Com- 
House WrEN mon S.R. 
