168 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. 



THE CAT-BIRD. 



THIS well-known and agreeable songster is very numerous in the United States, 

 and is probably known by everybody who is a dweller out of the city. He is a bird 

 not commonly seen caged, although why is not very clear ; for, though he is not a 

 gaudy plum aged bird, his song is much more pleasing and varied than the majority 

 of cage-pets. 



The Cat-bird measures nine inches in length, and, when seen at a distance, 

 appears to be nearly black ; but, on close examination, he is found to be slate color, 

 very deep on the upper part of the body, and a lighter shade below. The upper 

 part of the head, as well as the legs and beak, are black. He has very large black 

 eyes, which are always on the watch for the ripest cherry or grape. He cannot 

 be called a popular bird in his native haunts, because his appetite always calls for 

 the richest and best in the fruit-line. This makes him rather unpopular with the 

 farmer, who does not care to barter the most marketable goods for bird-music, no 

 matter how good the latter may be. The boys are early prejudiced against him, 

 and are taught that it is no sin to destroy him. This lesson is not forgotten in 

 mature years : so that, when the bird-loving young lady of the house suggests the 

 Cat-bird as a desirable singer, she is at once reminded that no praise shall be given 

 him ; as he is an old-time enemy. The antipathy against him in early years is con- 

 tinued through life. 



In his wild state he is quite a tame bird, and may be easily approached ; and, as 

 third-generation hats and bad imitations of scarecrows have no terrors for him, the 

 only way to prevent him from reaching the richest fruit is with the gun. Then, 

 again, the cause of his unpopularity is about the same as in a great many other 

 cases : some people do not like him just because others hate him. 



The Cat-bird is a very sprightly songster, and resembles the Mocking-bird in 

 many ways. He is always up before the break of day, singing his song with great 

 clearness while hopping from perch to perch in search of food. He is quite a mimic 

 in his way, and endeavors to imitate all the odd sounds and notes he may hear. He 

 seems to study, and, if not at first successful, gives up only after many repeated 

 efforts. His natural notes are short and sweet, and are interspersed with the tune 

 of the wandering back-yard musician, after whom he is named. In his wild state, 

 when first heard, it is difficult to believe that some 'poor orphan cat has not gone 

 astray in the bushes, so exact are his imitations of the animal's voice. He is not at 

 all afraid of anybody ; and, whether in the woods or in his cage, he gives out his 

 song freely and boldly, no matter how closely one may be standing to him. 



He is a very playful bird, and may be easily taught a number of tricks ; and, 



