AMERICAN ROBIN. 253 



dred." He is also possessed of consider- 

 able powers of mimicry, which is displayed 

 in imitations of various birds of differ- 

 ent tones and even characters of voice. 

 Among these he is peculiar in selecting 

 the mellow lay of the Blue-bird, the low 

 whisper of the Pee-wee, and the plaintive 

 call of the Whip-poor-will, although he 

 finds a host of others as widely differing 

 to imitate. 



In the cage he seems jealous of ap- 

 proach, springing to the side of the cage, 

 and with either real or affected anger, 

 striking at the hand which is pointed 

 through the wires. But when raised from 

 the nest, as he usually is, for confinement, 

 he becomes very tame, and will go in and 

 out of the house, attend at table for his 

 share of the dessert, and hop about with 

 perfect freedom and unrestrained confi- 

 dence. When thus domesticated, he feels 

 uneasy, and shows considerable peevish- 

 ness, if left alone or neglected. He will 

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