14 
Genus IY.— 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 ROSIN 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, 
