28 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



differs but little if any from that of the common 

 Cat Bird. 



The vocal powers of the Mocking Bird sur- 

 pass in their imitative notes and natural melody, 

 those of any other species. Its song is full, firm 

 and musical, and capable of considerable variation 

 in its modulation. The scream of the Eagle, and 

 the soft delicate notes of the Blue Bird, are 

 imitated with great precision, and with equal 

 facility. Notwithstanding its remarkable powers 

 of imitation, it possesses a natural song which for 

 sweetness, force, and volume, cannot be excelled. 



The eggs are mostly four in number, but 

 Occasionally five. They vary in length from .94 

 to i. 06 of an inch, and in breadth from .81 to .96 

 of an inch. Considerable variations are exhibited 

 in the combinations of markings and tints. The 

 ground color is ordinarily a light greenish-blue, 

 varying from a light to a decided blue, with a 

 somewhat greenish tint. The markings consist 

 of purple, chocolate brown, russet and a decided 

 dark brown. 



Mimus Carolinensis, Gray. 



This widely detested and much persecuted 

 species, the Cat Bird, makes its annual visit from 

 the genial climate of Central America, in small 

 flocks during the latter part of April; but more 

 generally in the beginning of May. For some 

 time after its arrival, it seeks sequestered situa- 

 tions, spending much of its time upon the ground 



