82 LAND-BIRDS. 



as well as the ordinary note of these birds, a sharp chick, 

 •which usually expresses alarm. As I have heard it, how- 

 ever, it is a simple song, merely characterized by unusual 

 loudness and clearness. It is greatly to be regretted that 

 not more persons are familiar with the pleasing music 

 of the Water " Thrushes," whose love of retirement has, 

 unfortunately, allowed few others than naturalists to know 

 them. 



B.. MOTACiLLA. Large-hilled Water " Thnish." Water 

 Warhler. So far as I know, the only instances known of this 

 bird coming to Massachusetts and northern New England 

 are those recorded by Mr. Allen, who shot one " April 28, 

 1869, on Mount Tom," and by Mr. Irving Frost, who shot 

 another " at Norway, Maine, in May, 1865."* 



a. About six inches long. Like the last species, but be- 

 low, buffy, chiefly behind, with fewer and less prominent streaks 

 (none on the throat), and with " legs pale." 



b. The nest and eggs are like those of the common Water 

 " Thrush," but the eggs are a little larger, averaging .90x -70 

 of an inch. 



c. The Large-billed Water " Thrushes " have a very dif- 

 ferent habitat from their immediate relations, and very rarely 

 occur in New England. They are closely allied to the Water 

 " Wagtails " in habits ; like those birds, frequenting woodland 

 and the neighborhood of water, and being addicted to wading 

 and to jerking their taUs. 



d. Their ordinary note is probably the same chuck, but 

 their song is said to be more glorious than that of the other 

 species, which I have just described. It begins with loud, 

 clear, and ringing notes, and ends with the softer notes, which 

 die away almost imperceptibly. It was this song that Wilson 

 described as having heard the Water " Thrush " utter in the 

 vast cane-brakes of the South, where these birds find a home 

 during a part of the year. 



* The Large-billed Water Thrush but it is not known to occur, at least 

 breeds commonly throughout most of regularly, anywhere north of the north- 

 Connecticut as well as in Ehode Island, em boundaries of these States. — W. B. 



