64 Land Birds of New England 



water. He is more common near cultivated estates 

 than in remote regions, and, though cautious and 

 watchful, is by no means shy. He moves about 

 easily and rapidly upon the ground, where he seeks 

 the " cutworms," which form a considerable part of 

 his food. When perched, he has an odd habit of 

 flirting his tail, and of depressing it when he sings. 



The nest is usually placed in a thicket ; in my 

 experience it is commonly near the water. Eggs 

 are laid about the first of June, and there are some- 

 times two sets. If undisturbed, the bird returns 

 year after year to the same nesting-place. 



The notes of the catbird are familiar ; the com- 

 monest one is a cat-like sound ; but besides this he 

 has a rich, varied, mellow song, which is said to be 

 frequently marred or interrupted by the mimicry of 

 others' notes. He sings from his arrival until the 

 middle of August, but has no second song-period. 



LITERATURE : 



Birdways. OLIVE THORNE MILLER. 



