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 witha 
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 arule. 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. I 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 | 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 aonalaschkee 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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