26 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



blue, and measure on the average .93 by .65 of an 

 inch in diameter. 



We are convinced that its autumnal migration 

 is much earlier than its near relatives. It has 

 been missed by the latter part of August. In the 

 summer of 1873, during the first week of Septem- 

 ber, small flocks were seen along the eastern 

 shore of Delaware Bay, feeding upon the seeds of 

 Paspalum setaceum, which grows luxuriantly in 

 sandy soils. On the succeeding morning, no 

 traces of them were to be seen. It was observed 

 on this occasion that the birds were exceedinp-lv 



*_5 J 



unsuspicious, and would permit a near approach 

 without the least manifestation of fear or alarm. 



Subfamily Miminae. Mocking Thrushes. 



The Mocking Thrushes as a group are chiefly 

 southern, scarcely passing beyond the borders of 

 the United States. They attain their maximum 

 development in Central and South America. The 

 Mimince are properly restricted to the American 

 representatives of the genera Mimus, Harporhyn- 

 chus, and several closely allied forms. More than 

 forty species are recorded, about two-thirds of 

 them being genuine. The genus Mimus embraces 

 nearly one-half of the current species, while Har~ 

 porhynchus is represented, within our limits, by 

 all known species, with a single exception. In 

 general habits they resemble the true Thrushes. 



Mimus polyglottus, Boie. 

 The Mocking Bird by which our readers most 



