26 
WOOD-THRUSH. 
skilful modulation quite beyond my power to describe. These concerts arc 
continued for some time after sunset, and take place in the month of June, 
when the females are sitting. 
This species glides swiftly through the woods, whilst on wing, and per- 
forms its migrations without appearing in the open country. It is a con- 
stant resident in the State of Louisiana, to which the dispersed individuals 
resort, as to winter quarters, from the different parts of the United States, 
to which they had gone to breed. They reach Pennsylvania about the 
beginning or middle of April, and gradually proceed farther north. 
Their food consists of different kinds of berries and small fruits, which 
they procure in the woods, without ever interfering with the farmer. They 
also occasionally feed on insects and various lichens. 
The nest is usually placed in a low horizontal branch of the dogwood 
tree, occasionally on smaller shrubs. It is large, well saddled on the branch, 
and composed externally of dry leaves of various kinds,- with a second bed 
of grasses and mud, and an internal layer of fine fibrous roots. The eggs 
are four or five, of a beautiful uniform light blue. The nest is generally 
found in deep swampy hollows, on the sides of hills. 
On alighting on a branch, this Thrush gives its tail a few jets, uttering 
at each motion a low chuckling note peculiar to itself, and very different 
from those of the Hermit or Tawny Thrush. It then stands still for awhile, 
with the feathers of the hind part a little raised. It walks and hops along 
the branches with much ease, and often bends down its head to peep at the 
objects around. It frequently alights on the ground, and scratches up the 
di'ied leaves in search of worms and beetles, but suddenly flies back to the 
trees, on the least alarm. 
The sight of a fox or racoon causes them much anxiety, and they 
generally follow these animals at a respectful distance, uttering a mournful 
cluck , well known to hunters. Although, during winter, these birds are 
numerous in Louisiana, they never form themselves into flocks, but go singly 
at this period, and only in pairs in the breeding season. They are easily 
reared from the nest, and sing nearly as well in confinement as while free. 
Their song is occasionally heard during the whole winter, particularly when 
the sun reappears after a shower. Their flesh is extremely delicate and 
juicy, and many of them arc killed with the blow-gun. 
You here see the dogwood in its autumnal colouring, adorned with its 
berries, of which the Wood Thrush is fond. 
W ood Thrush, Tardus melodus, Wils. Amer. Orn., vol. i. p. 35. 
Turdus mustelinus,. Bonap. Syn., p. '75. 
Wood Thrush, Tardus mustelinus , Nutt. Man., vol. i. p. 343. 
Wood Thrush, Turdus mustelinus , And. Orn. Biog., vol. i. p. 372 ; vol. v. p. 446 
