THRUSHES 



(766) Sialia sialis sialis 



{Linn.) 



BLUEBIRD. .4(i. d"— Upper 

 parts, wings and tail bright blue; 

 throat, breast and sides cinnamon- 

 rufous; belly and under tail coverts 

 white. ylJ. 9 — Much duller, the up- 

 per parts being grayish-blue, brighter 

 on the wings, rump and tail; under 

 parts as in o^ but much paler. Im. — 

 Back spotted with white and the 

 breast spotted with dusky. L., 7.00; 

 W., 3.90; T., 2.55; B,, .45- Nest — 

 Of grasses in holes of trees or in bird 

 boxes; four or five pale bluish-white 

 eggs, unmarked, .94 x .60. 



Range — Eastern North America, 

 breeding from the Gulf States north 

 to southern Canada. Winters in the 

 southern half of the U. S. 



BLUEBIRDS are almost as familiar to every one as are 

 Robins, but they do not have as extensive a range. While 

 an individual or two may spend the winter in favorable 

 localities in the Northern States, they are chiefly migrants 

 and their return after the cold season is eagerly awaited by 

 thousands of northern bird lovers. Although the males 

 precede the females on their return voyage, it is believed that 

 the same birds of each sex return to the same place every 

 year and that they remain mated for life. They use the 

 same home each year, be it a cavity in tree or fence post or in 

 a bird house, provided it is in a suitable condition and needs 

 no further repairs than relining with grasses. Their gentle 

 and confiding manners are reflected in their cheery warbles 

 which, however, have little to commend them in the musical 

 world. 



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