534 



MIMIC T H R U S H. 



their fong perched on the chimney's top. During breeding feafonj are 

 very fhy, and will defert their nefl if any one looks on the eggs* j 

 but are fometimes prefervedj and brought alive to England. 



During fummer they feed on berries, mulberries, and other 

 fruits, and infedts. In winter, when other food is fcarce, on thp 

 berries of the Dogwood f. When tamed, feed on every thing. 

 Various Song. Thefe birds are perhaps the firft annong the chorifters of the 

 woods ; and are jullly fanned not only for the variety, fulnefs, and 

 melody of their own notes, but their imitative faculty of the notes 

 of all other birds or animals, from the Humming-bird to the Eagle. 

 They will even imitate the found of other things. I have heard of 

 one, confined in a cage, that would mimic the mewing of a 

 cat, the chattering of a magype, and the creaking of a fign in 

 high winds. The Mexicans call them Cencontlatolli %, or the birds of 

 four hundred tongues, on account of their vaft variety of notes 

 «nd imitative powers. In the warmer parts of America they fing 

 inceffantly from March to Auguft, day and night, beginning with 

 their own compofitions, and then finifhing by borrowing from the 

 whole feathered choir, and repeat their tunes with fuch artful 

 fweetnefs, as to excite pleafure and furprize. The fuper-excellence 

 of their fongs makes ample amends for the plainnefs of their 

 flumage. 



They may be faid not only to fing, but dance : for, as if excited 

 by a fort of extafy at their own admirable notes, they gradually raife 

 themfelves from the place where they Hand, with their wings ex- 

 tended, drop with their head down to the fame fpot, and whirl round 

 with diftended wings, accompanying their melody with variety of 

 pretty gefticulations §. They are birds of vaft courage i and will 

 attack any large bird. 



* Kalm, i. zi8. f Cornus Florida, Lin, Sj), Pi. J Fernant/ez,^, 20. 



§ Catefiy. 



Ground 



