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AMERICAN ROBIN. 



{Merula Migratoria. ) 



This bird is a member of the thrush family, and is 

 one of our earliest spring visitors. It is always wel- 

 come, with many good wishes. Its clear, sweet notes 

 may be heard on cold, wet days, when there are scarcely 

 any other birds around. Plumage simple, as follows: 

 the head and tail black, back and wings drab, and the 

 breast a brick red. They are great fruit thieves, but 

 are considered by most naturalists to do more good 

 than harm. They rear two broods in a season, the 

 second set of eggs hatch about cherry time. The nests 

 are very common, being placed in trees and bushes, and 

 are chiefly composed of dry grass and mud lined with 

 liner material of the same kind. Eggs four of a rich 

 bluish green color. 



WOOD THRUSH. 



( HylocicJila Mnstelina. ) 



Of all the beautiful songsters this is one of the chief. 

 In early spring and summer the woodlands are made to 

 resound with the clear melodious notes w^hich he keeps 

 pouring forth by the hour. In size it is about the same 

 as the robin. Plumage dull reddish brown on back, 

 tail and wings; the breast white, thickly covered with 

 triangular black spots. Species very common in woods 

 and groves. Nest placed in a low tree, generally a 

 beech: it is composed of mud, grass and beech leaves 

 (dead ones) which make it conspicuous, they being so 

 white. Eggs four, same color as the robin, size a little 

 smaller. 



