I'ERCHEKS. 89 



the Thrushes, and its song in the early morning and at 

 the close of the day is one of the pleasantest sounds 

 that come from our groves and orchards. 



The Robin Redbreast, of Europe, is about half as 

 large as our Robin, of a brown color, with a red breast. 

 It is nearly related to our Bluebird. It loves to be 

 near man, and often enters his dwelling. It is easily 

 tamed, and is a great favorite. In severe weather it 

 comes into the house, and, selecting a perch, warbles 

 its song when the day is clear or when the fire burns 

 brightly. 



The American Bluebird is sky-blue above; the breast 

 is chestnut-colored. Its nest is usually made in a 

 hollow tree or post, and its eggs are from four to six, 

 pale blue. It is a loving, gentle Bird, and its soft war- 

 ble is very pleasing. The Ruby-crowned Wren, which 

 is now placed near the Thrushes, is scarcely more than 

 four inches long, and is known by a patch of scarlet 

 feathers on the crown. Its song is clear and sweet. 

 The Water Ouzel, of the Rocky Mountains, is smaller 



Fig. 122 — Ouzel. Fig. 123. — Nightingale. 



than the Robin, and of a dark lead-color. This curious 

 Thrush frequents mountain streams, into which it walks 

 or dives, and moves about beneath the water in search 

 of insects and other small animals upon which it feeds. 



