THE CAT-BIRD 



375 



woodbine, sumach, blackberry, cherry (domestic and wild), cedar, 

 mulberry, etc. Since most of these seeds pass through the alimen- 

 tary canal with fertility unimpaired, the robin is a disseminator 

 of these plants. 



A western variety of robin is a resident in western Oregon 

 the entire year. Its habits are similar 

 to the eastern congener. Closely allied 

 to these birds is the varied thrush or 

 Oregon robin, also a resident on the 

 Pacific coast through the entire year. 



The Varied Thrush or Oregon 

 Robin. This beautiful and somewhat 

 retiring bird is common on the Pacific 

 coast, ranging as far north as Alaska. 

 It has a back of slate color, with 

 orange-brown markings on shoulder; 

 a broad black collar stretches across 

 the breast and runs up on either side 

 of neck and head; the under parts are 

 orange, as is also a strip over the eye. 

 This bird is nearly ten inches long. It 

 nests in bushes. It is charged with 

 no bad habits. 



The Cat-Bird. Among the birds 

 of doubtful utility, we place with re- 

 luctance our friend, the cat-bird. 

 Although it has a delightful song, 

 equal or surpassing the brown thrush, 

 it, nevertheless, is not of great assist- 

 ance to the farmer. It eats some in- 

 sects, it is true, but later in the season 

 " these insects are largely replaced by 

 cherries, currants, raspberries, and 

 strawberries. Three-fourths of the food of eleven July cat-birds 

 consisted of small fruits, mostly (sixty-four per cent) blackberries. 

 Nine per cent of beetles had been taken, most of them being 

 predaceous (beneficial)." 1 



Nevertheless, on account of its song and friendliness, and 



^rom observations by Forbes, of Illinois, in " Birds in Their Relation to 

 Man." 



FIG. 376. Cat-bird. (After 

 Fuertes.) 



