‘OF NEW ENGLAND. 83 
‘quisitely sweet, and begins with a burst of melody, which be 
‘comes softer and more delicate until the last note dies away, 
lost in the ripple of the stream, above which the birds are gen: 
erally perched. It is probably sometimes repeated at night, as 
is the song of the Wood ‘ Wagtail,’ and how enchanted should 
I be to hear it in the coolness of the woods and stillness of 
the night.” It may quite often be heard in spring, during the 
migrations and the season of courtship, as well as the ordinary 
note of these birds, a sharp chick, which usually expresses 
alarm. As I have heard it, however, it is a simple song, 
merely characterized by unusual loudness and clearness. It is 
‘greatly to be regretted that not more persons are familiar with 
the pleasing music of the Water “Thrushes,” whose love of 
retirement has unfortunately allowed few others than nattral- 
ists to know ‘them. ; 
(B) topovicranus. Larye-billed Water “ Thrush.” Water 
Warbler. 
(So far as I know, the only instances known of this ‘bird 
coming to Massachusetts and northern New England, are 
those recorded by Mr. Allen, who shot one ‘ April 28, 1869, 
on Mount Tom,” and by Mr. Irving Frost, who shot another 
“at Norway, Maine, in May, 1865.’) 
(a). About six inches long. Like the last species, but ‘be- 
low buffy, chiefly behind, with fewer and less prominent streaks 
(none on the throat), and with “legs pale.” 
(0). The nest and eggs are like those of the common Water 
Thrush, but the latter are a little larger, averaging 90-70 of 
an inch. 
(c). The Latge-billed Water Thrushes have a very different 
habitat from their immediate relations, and very rarely occut 
in New England. They are closely allied to the Water Wag- 
tails in habits; like those birds, frequenting woodland and the 
neighborhood of water, and being addicted to wading and to 
jerking their tails. 
{d). Their ordinary note is probably the same chuck, but their 
‘song is said to be more glorious than that of the other species, 
