LXXXIII 



Catbikd 

 704. Dumetella carolinensis 



In general, the Catbird is of a dark slate color with 

 the top of its head and tail much darker ; it is about the 

 size of a Robin. Having once seen a Catbird and heard 

 its voice, you need never be in doubt about recognizing 

 it again, even though you should see it under very differ- 

 ent circumstances. A Catbird is the same, be it male or 

 female, young or old. In the spring, summer, fall and 

 winter its plumage does not change and its catlike mew 

 is easily identified. 



This bird selects, by preference, a home site near 

 man's habitation, not because of any liking for man's 

 companionship, but because man plants and grows shrub- 

 bery that makes choice nesting sites. Catbirds like deep 

 shadows and dark recesses beneath tangles of vines and 

 lilac bushes, such as are found in man's dooryard and 

 in public parks. (Fig. 128.) 



These birds have thus endeared themselves to us by 

 nesting near our homes. The disposition of the bird to 

 remain on friendly terms with us as long as we do not 

 invade its brushy sanctum, makes us admire it all the 

 more, when it protests with all the vim of an insulted 

 and enraged demon in feathers our too-near approach to 

 the nest site. When you disturb the shrubbery near its 

 home you may expect to get a good scolding from the 

 owner, in which all its bird neighbors join through sym- 

 pathy. 



During the cold, bleak winter months the Catbird 

 loves to bask in the semi-tropical climate of the extreme 

 southern border of the United States and Mexico, return- 

 ing in early spring to build its nest and rear its young 

 in localities where fruits and worms abound. 



The nest is built from three to eight feet from the 

 ground and is a compact structure into which much 

 coarse material enters, such as sticks, plant roots, leaves 

 and the outer rough surface of grapevines. As a lining 



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