50 LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 
‘““brave,” and yet, when their young are reared, they resume 
their natural shyness, avoid man, and on his approach disap- 
pear in the surrounding shrubbery ; but the instinct of mother- 
hood can inspire bravery in those habitually timid, when 
emergencies occur which require courage. 
(d). The loud chuck of the Brown Thrushes, their indescrib- 
able note of alarm or displeasure, and their song are all, as 
has been intimated, much like those of the Cat-bird. Their 
song is very pleasing, being loud, emphatic, and wonderfully 
varied ; so much so that it is sometimes well-nigh impossible 
to believe that one bird can produce such widely different 
notes, but, though called ‘‘mockers,” the “Thrashers” never 
mimic other creatures, so far as I have observed. Often, if 
interrupted, when singing, they softly repeat the syllables ‘“ tu- 
whit, tu-whit,” and immediately resume their song. In May, 
at evening, I have often listened to them, when, having chosen 
a high perch, they have sung sweetly and loudly; and it was 
when thinking of such singing that Wilson wrote: ‘The human 
being, who, amidst such scenes, and in such seasons of rural 
serenity and delight, can pass them with cold indifference, and 
even contempt, I sincerely pity; for abject must that beart be, 
and callous those feelings, and depraved that taste, which 
neither the charms of nature, nor-the melody of innocence, nor 
the voice of devotion of gratitude or devotion reach.” 
§ 2. Saxicolidee. Stone-chats and bluebirds. (See §1.) 
I. SIALIA 
(A) srauis. (astern) Blue Bird. 
(Very common in Massachusetts during the warmer half of 
the year.) 
(a). -63-7 inches long. Above, bright blue (in females, im- 
mature specimens, and specimens in winter-plumage, often in- 
terrupted by dull-colored patches). Belly white; other under 
parts bright, ruddy brown or chestnut. @ usually much duller 
or paler than ¢. 
(0). The nest is generally placed in the hole of a tree or 
post, or in a bird-box. The eggs, which measure about ‘85 x 
