CAT-BIRD. Turctut 



Other birds are variously affected, but none show symptoms of such extreme suffering. 

 He hurries backward's and forwards, with hanging wings and open mouth, calling out 

 louder and faster, and actually screaming with distress, till he appears hoarse with 

 his exertions. He attempts no offensive means ; but he bewails, he implores, in the most 

 pathetic terms with which nature has supplied him, and with an agony of feeling which 

 is truly affecting. Every feathered neighbour within hearing hastens to the spot to learn 

 the cause of the alarm, peeping about with looks of consternation and sympathy. But 

 their own powerful parental duties and domestic concerns soon oblige each to withdraw. 

 At any other season the most perfect imitations have no effect whatever on him. 



It is a most courageous little creature, and in defence of its young is as bold as 

 the mocking-bird. Snakes especially are the aversion of the Cat-bird, which will generally 

 contrive to drive away any snake that may approach the beloved spot. The voice of this 

 bird is mellow and rich, and according to Audubon is " a compound of many of the 

 gentle trills and sweet undulations of our various woodland choristers, delivered with 

 apparent caution and with all the attention and softness necessary to enable the performer 

 to please the ear of its mate. Each cadence passes on without faltering, and if you are 

 acquainted with the songs of the birds he so sweetly imitates, you are sure to recognise 

 the manner of the different species." 



It is a most lively and withal petulant bird in a wild state, performing the most 

 grotesque mancevres, and being so filled with curiosity that it follows any strange being 

 through the woods as if irresistibly attracted by some magnetic charm. In its disposition 

 the Cat-bird appears to be one of the most sensitively affectionate birds on the face of the 

 earth, as will appear from the following interesting account of a pet Cat-bird, called 

 General Bern. The narrator is Mrs. Webber. 



, " Well, General Bern went home with us at once, and was immediately given his 

 liberty, which he made use of by peering into every closet, examining and dragging every 

 thing from its proper place, which he could manage, pecking and squalling, dashing hither 

 and thither, until at night he quietly went into his cage as if he was nearly or quite 

 positive that he must commence a new career on the morrow ; it was evident that he had 



