THE MOCKINGBIRD 



young chicks from their hiding-places. Some mockers 

 seem to be able to reproduce the bird-songs they hear more 

 melodiously than the singers themselves render them. 



Mockingbirds' bravery in defense of their nests and 

 their young is well known. They have an especial antip- 

 athy to dogs and cats, and are merciless in tlieir attacks 

 on those animals if seen near the vicinity of their nests. 

 A friend in California told me that her cat was in abject 

 terror of a mockingbird. Instead of considering him 

 tempting prey, she invariably fled to cover when he ap- 

 peared, and remained in hiding for a time. The fur on 

 her sides was noticeably thinned where the angry bird had 

 pulled out numerous locks. One day, while my family 

 were visiting San Francisco, they heard a dog yelping pit- 

 eously and discovered him running at lightning speed 

 down the middle of the street. A mockingbird was 

 perched on his back and was pulling hairs out of his tail 

 with spiteful tweaks. Mockers have been known to kill 

 snakes that approached their nests, and to attack human 

 beings with great fury. 



They like to live near people and seem to respond to the 

 aff'ection shown them in the South, where they are such 

 favorites that they are seldom molested. Formerly mock- 

 ingbirds were trapped for cage-birds, as were cardinals, 

 but this practice is largely discontinued now, because of 

 protective laws and aroused public sentiment. 



Dr. Henry W. Henshaw says: "It is not surprising that 

 the mockingbird should receive protection principally be- 

 cause of its ability as a songster and its preference for the 

 vicinity of dwellings. Its place in the affections of the 

 South is similar to that occupied by the robin in the 

 North. It is well that this is true, for the bird appears 



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