14 



Genus IV.— TURDUS, Linn. THRUSH. 



Bill of moderate length or shortish, rather stout, straight, broader than 

 high at the base, compressed toward the end, acute; upper mandible with 

 the ridge rather narrow, the sides convex toward the end, the notches small, 

 the tip narrow; lower mandible with the angle of moderate length, the dorsal 

 line ascending, slightly convex, the sides rounded, the tip narrow. Nostrils 

 oblong, partially concealed by the feathers. Head of ordinary size, ovate; 

 neck rather short; body rather full. Feet longish, rather strong; tarsus as 

 long as the middle toe and claw; hind toe rather stout; lateral toes equal; 

 claws arched, compressed, acute. Plumage soft and rather blended. Wings 

 of moderate length, rounded, the first quill very small, the third and fourth 

 longest. Tail rather long, nearly even. 



AMERICAN ROBIN OR MIGRATORY THRUSH. 



Turdus migratorius, Linn. 



PLATE CXLII. — Male, Female, Young, and Nest. 



The first land-bird seen by me, when I stepped upon the rugged shores of 

 Labrador, was the Robin, and its joyful notes were the first that saluted my 

 ear. Large patches of unmelted snow still dappled the surface of that wild 

 country; and although vegetation was partially renewed, the chillness of the 

 air was so peculiarly penetrating, that it brought to the mind a fearful 

 anxiety for the future." The absence of trees, properly so called, the barren 

 aspect of all around, the sombre mantle of the mountainous distance that 

 hung along the horizon, excited the most melancholy feelings; and I could 

 scarcely refrain from shedding tears when I heard the song of the Thrush, 

 sent there as if to reconcile me to my situation. That song brought with it 

 a thousand pleasing associations referring to the beloved land of my youth, 



