Nests in Buildings, Bridges, Walls, Etc. 
The nest, scarcely worthy of the name, is a small collection 
of feathers, grass, and straw, placed under bridges, in stone walls, 
or in holes in banks. 4 to 6, and rarely 8, white eggs are laid. 
Size—.71 x .50. 
These birds generally build near water, the nests being 
frequently placed in crevices between the stones of bridge abut- 
ments, or even on the beams. 
The eggs are laid early in May, many days being occupied 
in building the nest. 
675. Water-thrush: Seiurus noveboracensis (Gmel.) 
Adult—Upper parts olive brown, somewhat darker on the head; 
line above the eye buff, or nearly white; under parts white, 
more or less tinged with light yellow, numerous spots form- 
ing broken streaks, less numerous on the belly; the indi- 
vidual spots, particularly those on the breast, are V-shaped. 
Length—6.04. 
Breeding Range—The Northern States, from northern New Eng- 
land northward. 
The nest is composed principally of moss, with leaves and 
roots, and lined with fine hair-like roots. It is placed among the 
roots of a tree where the bank has fallen away, in a bank, or 
similar place. The eggs are white, with rather large cinnamon 
or hazel-brown spots, more thickly distributed about the larger 
end. Size—.76 x .59. 
To find the nest of any of the Water-thrushes requires more 
than ordinary patience and skill, as they are most cleverly hidden 
among the overhanging roots along the banks of a stream, or in 
a mossy bank, usually not far from water. These birds may be 
seen in damp words, dried up watercourses, but most frequently 
along a shallow stream, where they stand or walk on the stones, 
moving their tails up and down, after the manner of the wag- 
tails, and making short, rapid flights to catch the various insects 
that fly near the surface of the water. The breeding season 
begins during the second week in May. 
675a. Grinnell’s Water-thrush: S. n. notabilis (Ridgw.) 
Very similar to the water-thrush, but somewhat larger and 
darker on the upper parts. Nesting habits, nests, and eggs identical. 
Breeding Range—From Illinois westward and northward. 
gI 
