Open Nests in Woods, Thickets, Swampy Thickets 



wood thrush without the bright rufous tail, and the markings 

 on the breast are not nearly so conspicuous. Their note is very 

 peculiar, sounding almost like the sharpening of a scythe with a 

 whetstone. It is a sound that cannot be confounded with any 

 other bird's note. The place chosen for nesting is on the ground 

 in the damp woods, not far from water as a rule. The nest is 

 very often built at the foot of a sapling, or between the stems of 

 a bush, or on a mound of moss and grass, and not infrequently 

 in dry clearings with shrubby undergrowth. 1 have never found 

 a nest in a bush, but I am told that such places are sometimes, 

 though rarely, chosen. From my experience with these denizens 

 of the dark, wet woods I should be inclined to believe they have 

 but scanty confidence in man. I have tried repeatedly, and in 

 vain, to secure a photograph of the sitting bird. The eggs are 

 laid about the third week in May. 



759b. Hermit Thrush: Turdus aonalaschkae pallasii 



(Cab.) 



Adult — Upper parts dusky olive brown; tail bright rufous; under 

 parts white or whitish, tinged on the breast with buff, and 

 marked with large dark spots. Length — 7.17. 



Breeding Range — From Michigan and northern New England 

 (including northwestern Connecticut), the higher regions of 

 New York, northward. 



The nest is always on the ground, generally in damp, woody 

 places or on shrubby slopes. It resembles the nest of the Wil- 

 son's thrush, but is rather larger, and pine needles and moss, as 

 well as leaves, roots, weeds, etc., are used in its construction. 

 3 or 4 eggs are laid ; they are plain bluish green ; in very rare cases 

 they are said to be spotted. Size — .88 x .69. 



These birds well deserve the name given them, for their usually 

 solitary habits are truly hermit-like. In the deep, dark forests, 

 where all is hushed and quiet, the sweet sympathetic notes of 

 this famous songster may be heard; few other birds are there to 

 join with him in his song to the woods. 



The Hermit Thrush need never be mistaken for any other of 

 the thrush family ; his rufous tail and brownish back are entirely 

 distinctive. In northern New England the nesting season com- 

 mences towards the end of May. 



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