98 



Handbook of Nature-Study 



Catbird on nest. 

 Photo by Robert Matheson. 



THE CATBIRD 



Teacher's Story 



"TJic Catbird sings a crooked song, in minors that are flat. 

 And, ivhen he can't control his voice he mews just like a cat. 

 Then nods his head ajid luh.isks his tail and lets it go at that.'' 



— Oliver Davie. 



As a performer, the catbird distinctly belongs to the vaudeville, even 

 going so far as to appear in slate-colored tights. His specialties range 

 from the most exquisite song to the most strident of scolding notes; his 

 nasal "n-y-a-a-h, n-y-a-a-h" is not so very much like the cat's mew after 

 all, but when addressed to the intruder it means "get out;" and not in the 

 whole gamut of bird notes is there another which so quickly inspires the 

 listener with this desire. I once trespassed upon the territory of a well- 

 grown catbird family and the squalling that ensued was ear-splitting; as 

 I retreated, the triumphant youngsters followed me for a few rods with 

 every sign of triumph in their actions and voices; they obviously enjoyed 

 my apparent fright. The catbirds have rather a pleasant "cluck, cluck" 

 when talking to each other, hidden in the bushes, and they also have a 

 variety of other notes. The true song of the catbird, usually given in the 

 early morning, is very beautiful. Mr. Mathews thinks it is a medley 

 gathered from other birds, but it seems to me very inrlividual. However, 

 true to his vaudeville training, this bird is likely to introduce into the 

 middle or at the end of his exquisite song some phrase that suggests his 

 cat call. He is, without doubt, a true mocker and will often imitate 

 the robin's song, and also if opportunity offers learns to converse fluently 

 in chicken language. One spring morning, I heard outside my window 



