FERRUGINOUS MOCKING-BIRD. 13 



of picking up the newly planted corn; but I am of opinion that the 

 scratching has reference exclusively to worms or beetles, their strong legs 

 and feet being well adapted for this purpose; and, generally speaking, they 

 are great favourites, as they commit few depredations on the crops. 



This species, as well as the Robin and some others of this family, suffer 

 greatly during the autumnal moults, and when in cages at this season, become 

 almost naked of feathers. The young acquire the full beauty of their 

 plumage during the first winter. 



It is abundant in the Texas, and breeds there. It was not observed by 

 Mr. Townsend on the Rocky Mountains, or any where beyond them. 

 According to Dr. Richardson, the vicinity of the Saskatchewan river forms 

 its northern limits. Dr. T. M. Brewer writes me as follows: — "Your 

 account of the^habits of the Brown Thrush does not leave me any thing to 

 add. I will therefore only trouble you with the following test of the ability 

 of this bird to detect the intrusion of eggs not belonging to it. I found this 

 summer, 1S37, a nest containing three eggs, which I removed, leaving in 

 their place three Robin's eggs, and retired to wait the issue. In a few 

 moments the female approached, gave the contents of the nest a hasty 

 survey, and immediately flew off. She returned in a short time in company 

 with her mate, and both flew to the nest apparently in the greatest rage, took 

 each an egg in their claws, and dashed it against the ground at the distance 

 of more than a rod from the nest, the female repeating the same to the other 

 egg. This done, they continued for some time to vent their rage on the 

 broken eggs, tossing them about, and at the same time manifesting their 

 displeasure in every possible way. They afterwards forsook the nest. The 

 eggs measure an inch and an eighth in length, six and a half eighths in 

 breadth. They never raise more than one brood in a season here." 



Ferruginous Thrush, Turdus rufus, Wils. Amer. Orn., vol. ii. p. 83. 



Turdus rufus, Bonap. Syn. p. 75. 



Orpheus rufus, Fox-coloured Mocking-bird, Swains, and Rich. F. Bor. Amer., vol. ii. 



p. 189. 

 Ferruginous Thrush or Thrasher, Tardus rufus, Nutt. Man., vol. i. p. 328. 

 Ferruginous Thrush, Turdus rufus, Aud. Orn. Biog., vol. ii. p. 102; vol. v. p. 441. 



Bill and tail more elongated than in the other species, wings shorter. 

 Upper parts light brownish-red; inner webs of quills dusky. Wings crossed 

 by two white bars margined anteriorly with black, being on the tips of the 

 first row of small and secondary coverts; lower parts yellowish-white, the 

 breast and sides marked with triangular dark brown spots. Female smaller. 



Male, \\\, 13. 



Vol. III. 3 



