_Planesticus_, BONAP. Comptes Rendus, 1854. (Type _Turdus
jamaicensis_, GMELIN.)
[Line drawing: _Turdus migratorius._
853]
This section of the Thrushes is well represented in America,
especially in its middle and southern portions, and its members have a
close resemblance to the typical European species in the full form,
stout legs, etc., as already stated. The spots on the throat, and
their absence elsewhere on the under part of the body, are sufficient
to distinguish them.
Of the two North American species one is the well-known Robin, the
other a closely related form from Cape St. Lucas; which indeed is
probably only a local race or variety, although nothing exactly like
it has yet been found away from Lower California. The following
diagnosis may serve to distinguish the two birds:—
COMMON CHARACTERS. Throat white with dark streaks. Rest of under
parts, including lining of wing, reddish or ochraceous; the anal
region whitish; lower eyelid white. Nest on trees. Eggs plain
blue.
Above slaty-olive, approaching to black on the head. Beneath
rufous-chestnut. Spot in lore and on upper eyelid of white.
Tail, 4.25. _Hab._ Whole of North America; Mexico, south to
Oaxaca and Cordova; Cuba (very rare) and Tobago, of West Indies …
var. _migratorius_.
Above dull grayish-ash, not darker on the head. Beneath pale
yellowish-buff; tinged with ashy across breast; a continuous
white stripe from the lores over and a quarter of an inch
behind the eye. More white on belly and flanks than in _T.
migratorius_. Bill stouter; tail only 3.75, while the wing is
the same. _Hab._ Cape St. Lucas, Lower California …
var. _confinis_.
Turdus migratorius, var. migratorius, LINN.