336 INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS. 



birds' eggs, those of the Thrasher, and young of the same 

 species, were instantly turned out of the nest in which 

 they had been placed. Yet the male, divesting himself 

 of selfish jealousy, observing the distress and helplessness 

 of the young thus dislodged by his mate, began to feed 

 them as his own. Their sagacity is therefore superior to 

 that of the ordinary Thrushes, as the Turdus Wilsonii is 

 even one of the duped nurses occasionally employed by 

 the Cow-Bird. 



The food of the Cat-bird is similar to that of the preced- 

 ing species, being insects and worms, particularly beetles, 

 and various garden fruits ; feeding its young often on 

 cherries, and other kinds of fruits. Sometimes they 

 are observed to attack snakes when they approach the 

 vicinity of their brood, and commonly succeed in driving 

 off the enemy ; when bitten, however, by the poisonous 

 kinds, it is probable, as related, that they may act in such 

 a manner, as to appear laboring under the influence of 

 fascination. The Cat-bird, when raised from the nest, is 

 easily domesticated, becomes a very amusing inmate, 

 and seems attached to his cage, as to a dwelling or place 

 of security. About dawn of day, if at large, he flirts 

 about with affected wildness, repeatedly jerks his tail 

 and wings with the noise almost of a whip, and stretch- 

 ing forth his head, opens his mouih and mews. Some- 

 times this curious cry is so guttural as to be uttered w^ith- 

 out opening the bill. He often also gives a squeal as he 

 flies from one place to another ; and is very tame, though 

 pugnacious to all other birds which approach him for 

 injury. When wanting food, he stirs round with great un- 

 easiness, jerks every thing about within his reach, and 

 utters the feeble cry of the caged Mocking-bird. A very 

 amusing individual, which I now describe, began his vo- 

 cal powers by imitating the sweet and low[]warblc of the 



