LXXXII 



MOCKINGBIRD 

 703. Mimus polyglottos polyglottos (Linn.) 



The Mockingbird is about the size of a Robin, ten 

 inches long. It has a pure gray back and grayish-white 

 on the under parts, with well-marked white patches on 

 the wings showing when in flight, very much like those of 

 the Shrike; the outer tail feathers are white. It resem- 

 bles a Shrike in looks, but has no black streak across the 

 eyes and forehead. The sexes are similar in coloring. 



The Mockingbird has a broad living and breeding 

 range, extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific on our 

 southern border and coming as far north as the central 

 states. 



The Mockingbird nests in bushes and small trees. 

 (Fig. 126.) The eggs are from four to six in number and 

 are of a bluish green with brown spots. Although Mock- 

 ingbirds are poor nest-builders they rear two or more 

 broods in a season and are very affectionate mates and 

 devoted parents, resenting with vigorous protest the in- 

 vasion of their home surroundings, and attacking Crows, 

 Hawks or other known enemies of small birds. While I 

 was picturing the Mockingbirds at the nest they would 

 fly near me in a most piteous appeal or perch close by and 

 repeatedly beg me to "quit, quit, quit!" (Fig. 127.) 



They are fond of fruit and berries but are of more 

 benefit to the farmer than harmful to the orchardist. 

 They are especially fond of the favorable nesting sur- 

 roundings near our homes. 



Much of the so-called mimicry of the Mockingbird is 

 in reality part of its own song brought out by hearing the 

 sound from other sources during the singing. It is a 

 favorite bird for the cage for it accepts confinement 

 rather philosophically and retains its wonderful singing 

 ability. The sight of the prison bars, however, acts as 

 a damper on my appreciation of the song, as I realize that 

 this bird of the big outdoors is robbed of the freedom 

 nature intended it should enjoy. 



216 



