EASTERN MOCKINGBIRD 309 



thing and covered the radiator with a towel to prevent any possible 

 damage to the mocker." 



A friend of the writer had much the same experience near George- 

 town, S. C, when a mocker made persistent attacks on its own image 

 in the surface of a car's hubcap. The owner of the car finally cov- 

 ered the cap with moss when he parked it ! A mockingbird living 

 in the yard of the writer fought itself literally for days in the 

 window of the cellar, which was almost on a level with the ground. 

 This is almost certainly a territorial defense action, as the image 

 is taken by the bird for an intruder on its domain and treated 

 accordingly. 



The immense popularity of the mocker throughout its range has 

 resulted in its being chosen as State bird by no less than five 

 commonwealths ! 



Voice. — There is no possibility of doubt that the vocal attain- 

 ments of the mockingbird are its primary characteristic. Its voice 

 overshadows its every other trait, habit, and even appearance. Rec- 

 ognition of it is evident in both the common and the scientific name 

 of the species, and neither could be more appropriate. Though its 

 amazing powers of imitation were not known to Linnaeus except 

 second-hand, his designation of Mimus folyglottos as its name was 

 well chosen, for as a "many-tongued mimic" the mockingbird stands 

 alone. Catesby's name of "Mock-bird" is practically the same as 

 its present-day appellation. Some years ago Herbert R. Sass, of 

 Charleston, S. C, referred to the mockingbird in one of his inimi- 

 table nature articles as "Mimus the Matchless," and it has always 

 seemed to this writer that no more descriptive adjective could be 

 used in connection with it. Truly, that is the word for the mocker. 

 . . . matchless! 



It is evident, of course, that there are remarkable performers 

 among the so-called song birds of this country, and each has enthusi- 

 astic partisans. However, whatever can be said about each one of 

 them can be said of the mockingbird, plus. Always plus, because if 

 given the opportunity, the mocker can deliver the song of any other 

 bird as well as the species itself, plus the fact that it has a wonder- 

 fully beautiful song of its own ! 



Ample proofs that the writer is not hopelessly biased in his state* 

 ments regarding the mocker's vocal ability are numerous. Illustra* 

 tive of what others think are quotations that follow. Baird, Brewer, 

 and Ridgway (1874) say: 



"The vocal powers of the Mockingbird exceed, both in their imi- 

 tative notes and natural song, those of any other species. Their 

 voice is full, strong and musical, and capable of an almost endless 



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