MOCKINGBIRD. 



703. Mimus polyglottos. 10^ inches. 



General colors, gray and white; bases of primaries 

 and outer tail feathers with white. 



This is the great vocalist of the south, and by many 

 is considered to be the most versatile singer in 

 America. It is found in gardens, pastures and open 

 woods. All its habits are similar to our Catbird, and 

 like that species, it is given to imitating the notes of 

 other birds. 



Song. An indescribable medley, sometimes very 

 sweet and pleasing, at others, harsh and unmusical. 



Nest. Usually built in impenetrable thickets or 

 hedges, or again in more open situation in the garden ; 

 made of twigs and rootlets, lined with black rootlets; 

 the four or five eggs are bluish green with blotches of 

 reddish brown (.95x.70). 



Range. Southern U. S., breeding north to New Jer- 

 sey (and casually farther) and Ohio; winters in the 

 South Atlantic and Gulf States. 703a. Western Mock- 

 ingbird (leucopterus) is found in southwestern U. S., 

 north to Indian Territory and California. 

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