14 



Bird Studies. . 



the texture of the feathers is finer even than in the spring. The moult is 

 hardly completed when they leave us. At the time of year in question, the 

 -feathers on the back of the head, in old and young birds alike, have filamen- 

 tous hair-like extensions to the quills that are very noticeable. In common 

 with other thrushes, just before leaving these' birds assemble in very con- 

 siderable companies, feeding on gum-berries and other wild fruits. 



\ 



WOOD THRUSH. ABOUT THREE WEEKS OLD. 



The cold winter days bring to the house yard and orchard a gallant band 

 of birds, animated, gay, inquisitive, and industrious, undaunted by the severest 

 weather. Sometimes only a single pair is seen, but gen- 

 erally from four to ten Black-capped Chickaddes form 

 the party. In the autumn, after breeding and moulting 

 are over, these little bands of Chickadees assemble and begin their winter cam- 



V Chickadee. 



Parus atricapillus Linn. 



