CATBIRD 219 



in one nest the label of a well-known brand of chewing 

 gum was woven firmly into the walls. The eggs, four or 

 five in number, are laid in late June and are of a deep 

 bluish-green color. 



The household cat is this bird's worst enemy. One 

 pair of Catbirds are, to my way of thinking, worth more 

 than many cats. 



The song of this bird compares favorably in range 

 and sweetness with that of the Mockingbird and the 

 Brown Thrasher, whose notes, along with those of many 

 others, the Catbird imitates. Like that of the Wood 

 Thrush, its song is one of late twilight and early dawn 

 and blends with the harmonies of the night-singing birds. 

 There is a pleasing sadness in the gentle and appealing 

 songs of the night's shadows. 



The mimicry of the cat is the bird's masterpiece 

 and is uttered vehemently when you approach the nest 

 or the young. My hand has been assaulted vigorously 

 and fearlessly when I made such an attempt. 



Catbirds are easily tamed and make excellent caged 

 song birds. However, some of them become morose in 

 captivity and refuse to sing a good reason why no wild 

 bird should be imprisoned and expected to amuse its cap- 

 tor by its delightful wild harmony. 



