PLATE LV. CATBIRD. 



Galeoscoptes carolinensis. 



Prevailing color slate, palest below ; under-side of rump reddish ; 

 crown, tail, bill and feet black ; tail full and rounded. Length, 8.90 

 inches. 



Migratory. Arrives early in May, leaves about 'October 15. Nests in bushes. A 

 common bird, lurking in the shrubbery of gardens or in the tangle of road-side thickets, and 

 uttering its well-known cat-like mew with a persistency worthy of a more agreeable sound. 

 Another of its calls, even still less musical, resembles the syllables trat-tat-tat-tat given in 

 quick succession. 



It has, however, a beautiful song which has been called a medley, imitative of the 

 Robin and the Thrush. This song is heard only during the breeding season, and though 

 truly an admirable performance, a quick ear may detect in it a slight, whining quality 

 suggestive of the feline note. 



The bird is really a handsome one, but, owing to its skulking habits, and the unsocial 

 manner with which it resents inspection, scarcely a favorite. 



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