The Wood Thrush 
287 
I together with sticks and twigs, form the bottom and sides of the struc- 
ture. Mud is brought to make the inner cup secure and strong. This 
I feature of the nest follows closely the architectural plan employed by the 
Robin. The similarity ends here, however, for the Wood Thrush’s nest 
is usually lined with fine rootlets, while the Robin seems to prefer dried 
! grass for this purpose. In this secure structure the baby birds usually 
! find a safe cradle until the time comes for them to launch forth into the 
i world of dangers about them. 
j The eggs are usually deposited one each day, until the full com- 
ij plement has been reached. Four is the number most usually laid, 
YOUNG WOOD THRUSH JUST AFTER LEAVING NEST 
Photographed by B. S. Bowdish 
although the bird may sometimes be found engaged in the business of 
incubation with only three, and, again, five may be 
seen. The color is a delightful bluish-green, but Eggs 
compared with other green eggs this tint is lighter — 
not so deep as that of the Catbird’s eggs. In fact these eggs resemble 
very closely those of the Robin, and if they were only slightly darker, it 
would be almost impossible to distinguish the two. 
In reference to its food, the Wood Thrush is classified as an insect- 
eating bird, and its value as such has become so generally recognized 
that it is now protected by local laws in all parts of the United States 
where it is found. As an additional safeguard, a measure, known as 
the McLean, or Migatory Bird Law, which was enacted by Congress 
