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Range (Eastern North America breeds) (XXXXXIX)

Eastern North America; breeds from northern Michigan and Massachusetts northward, and southward along the Alleghanies to Pennsylvania; winters from southern Illinois and New Jersey to the Gulf States. Washington, very common T. V., sometimes not uncommon W. V., Apl. 4 to May 15; Oct. 15 to Nov. Sing Sing, common T. V., Apl. 5 to May 9; Oct. 18 to Nov. 26. Cambridge, very common T. V., Apl. 16 to May 5; Oct. 5 to Nov. 15; occasionally one or two may winter.

Nest, of moss, coarse grasses, and leaves, lined with rootlets and pine needles, on the ground. Eggs, three to four, greenish blue, of a slightly lighter tint than those of the Wood Thrush, 88 x 69. This Thrush comes to us in the spring, when the woods are still bare, and lingers in the autumn until they are again leafless-the earliest as it is the latest of our Thrushes. It is common on its migrations, but attracts little notice, for, though not really a shy bird, its disposition is retiring, and it is most at home in secluded woodland and thickety retreats. Still, it often finds seclusion enough along shrubby roadsides, and may so far doff its hermit traits as to approach dwellings, where its attractive lightness of motion and ease of manner may be observed from indoors. It frequently descends to the ground, but is soon back again in the branches, making short flights from perch to perch, often with long, quiet pauses in the intervals. It may be known at sight by its habit of lifting its tail slightly, especially after alighting. This action is usually accompanied by the bird's customary note-a low chuck, which sounds scarcely thrushlike. The Hermit Thrush bears high distinction among our song birds. Its notes are not remarkable for variety or volume, but in purity and sweetness of tone and exquisite modulation they are unequaled. Some, indeed, have deemed the Wood Thrush not inferior; but though the Wood Thrush at its best seems sometimes to touch the very highest chords of bird music, the strains of its wilder cousin, in tranquil clearness of tone and exalted serenity of expression, go beyond any woods music we ever hear.

While traveling, the Hermit Thrush is not in full voice, and he who would know its song must follow it to the mossy forests, which are its summer home.