THE CAT-BIRD. 



243 



A Mexican variety is recognized, and six species of this genus, besides those here men- 

 tioned, are found in the western and southern portions of the continent. 



The Cat-Bird, so called from the resemblance which some of its notes bear to the mew 

 and purr of a cat, is a native of America, and one of the most familiar of the birds of the 

 country. As may be seen by the generic title which it bears, it is one of the true Thrushes. 



In its character it is one of the most affectionate of birds, as is shown by Wilson in the 

 following passage : — 



CAT-BIRD.— (?o/fO«a)pfe» carolinensii. 



"In passing through the woods in summer, I have sometimes amused myself with imi- 

 tating the violent chirping or squeaking of young birds, in order to observe what different 

 species were around me ; for siich sounds at such a season in the woods are no less alarming to 

 the feathered tenants of the bushes, than the cry of fire or murder in the streets is to the 

 inhabitants of a large city. 



"On such occasions of alarm and consternation, the Cat-Bird is the first to make his 

 appearance, not singly, but sometimes half a dozen at a time, fiying from different quarters 

 to the spot. At this time those who are disposed to play with his feelings may almost throw 

 him into fits, his emotion and agitation are so great at the distressful cries of what he supposes 

 to be his suftering young. 



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

 He hurries backwards 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 neighbor 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 imita- 

 tions 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 con- 

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

 meUow and rich, and, according to Audubon, is "a compound of many of the gentle trills and 



