“No, on the contrary, he is one of the Ground Thrushes, who builds his nest close to the ground in such places as that bit of brushwood opposite; and as he spends most of his time about home we seldom see him, even in places like this where many pairs live.  But we do not need to see a Veery to know of his presence if we once learn his song by heart, because we shall remember it as long as our hearts beat.”

The children sat silent for a long time, looking up through the trees at the coming of the night.  Then Dodo nestled close to Olive and whispered, “I think that Veery is singing his prayers.”

Wilson’s Thrush—­Veery

Length seven and a half inches.

Upper parts warm brown all over, not so bright as the Wood Thrush is on the head, and not the least bit greenish on the tail.

Breast and throat deep cream color, finely specked with brown on the upper part.  Belly white.  No white ring around eye.

A Summer Citizen of the United States east of the plains.

A Ground Gleaner, Tree Trapper, and Seed Sower.

THE HERMIT THRUSH

“When we return to the house,” said the Doctor, “I will show you the Veery and Hermit Thrush also; for whether or not you will hear the Hermit sing will depend very much upon what part of North America you live or travel in, and this bird’s song is its chief claim to fame.  Through all the southern and middle parts of the States he only pays visits during the fall, winter, and early spring.  At these seasons he rarely sings, and spends his time in hopping about the underbrush, searching for insects.  In spring and autumn you will see him about the magnolia trees in your yard or garden, or in the hedges along roads and the edges of light woods, where wild berries are plentiful.  The name of Hermit would naturally make you expect to find a very shy bird, but he is not—­only he likes his own company in secret places.  When on his travels, unlike most birds, and like all good children in story books, he is oftener seen than heard.  At this time you must look for him on or near the ground, for he is a famous Ground Gleaner.

“At first you may mistake him for a Wood Thrush.  But look again—­he is smaller; the spots on the breast are more joined together like stripes; the rump and tail are a very reddish-brown like ripe chestnuts, different from the greenish-brown on the back and head.  You will be sure to notice this, for the Hermit jerks his tail about when he feeds on the ground, giving a little warning call that sounds like ’chek! chek!’”

[Illustration:  Hermit Thrush]