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 favorites, 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, 1837, a nest containing three eggs, which I removed, leaving in 
their place three Robin’s eggs, and retired to await 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 daws, 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 MocJcing-bird , Swains, and Rich. F. Bor. Amer., vol. ii. 
p. 189. 
Ferruginous Thrush or Thrasher, Turdus 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 ivebs 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 co, verts ; lower parts yellowish-white, the 
breast and sides marked with triangular dark brown spots. Female smaller. 
Male, Hi, 13. 
Vol. III. 
3 
