FERRUGINOUS THRUSH, OR THRASHER. 331 
January I observed this Thrush and the Mocking-bird 
feed on the berries of the sumach. Sometimes they 
raise up a few grains of planted corn, but this is more 
the effect of caprice than appetite, as the search for 
grubworms is what commonly induces this resort to 
scratching up the soil. The Thrasher is an active, 
watchful, shy, and vigorous species, generally flying 
low, dwelling among thickets, and skipping from bush to 
bush, with his long tail sometimes spread out like a fan. 
About the first week in October after moulting, they 
disappear for the season, and pass the winter in the 
Southern States. By the middle of February, or early 
in March, they already display their vocal powers in the 
warmer parts of Georgia and West Florida. They are 
easily reared, and become very familiar and amusing 
companions, showing a strong attachment to the hand 
that feeds and protects them. In their manners, intelli- 
gence, song, and sagacity, they nearly approach to 
the Mocking-bird, being equally playful, capricious, 
petulant, and affectionate.* 
The Brown Thrush is I1J inches long, and 13 in alar extent. The 
whole upper parts are of a bright reddish-brown ; the wings are 
crossed with 2 bars of whitish, relieved with black. Tail very long, 
rounded at the end, broad, and of the same color with the back. 
Below yellowish-white, with the breast and sides marked with long 
pointed or pencillate dusky spots. Bill without notch; black 
above, whitish below near the base. Legs dusky brownish. Iris 
yellow, (much paler in the young bird.J In the female the white 
bars on the wing are narrower, and the spots on the breast small- 
er. 
* For additional traits of this species, see the Introduction. 
