The Wood Thrush is the best known of these thrushes. It may be
identified by _its large size_ (a little over 8 inches); by its _bright
brown head_, dull brown back, wings, and tail; white under parts that
are _heavily spotted, especially on the breast and sides_; and by
distinct streaks below the eyes.
Note: Its call-note is a sharp _pit_; its song a series of sweet
cadences beginning with the liquid syllables _ah-oh-ee_?
Song: Four phrases often constitute the song, between which a soft
purring sound is frequently heard, if one is near the singer.
Habitat: Wood thrushes may be found in open groves, parks, and wooded
pastures, on large estates, and along secluded roads. They are
rarely found near farm-buildings, but occasionally live in gardens
and orchards.
A pair of thrushes once nested in a tree on a slope just back of a house
where I chanced to be a guest. The mother-bird had begun her brooding,
when carpenters arrived to build some steps near her chosen home.
Frightened, she fled, and remained away for a time. Finally mother-love
overcame her fears and she returned. The workmen were asked to do her no
harm; they became interested in her, and she trustful of them. She let
them approach within a few feet of her nest. We saw the shy wood-bird,
serene and unafraid, raise her brood in the midst of noisy hammering,
with friendly companionship close at hand.