172 BIRDS OF BERMUDA. 
Sub-family MIMIN AS. 
Genus Mrimus, Boie. 
4, Mimus carolinensis, (Linn.) Gray. Cat-bird. 
Muscicapa carolinensis, Linn. 
Turdus carolinensis, Licht. 
Orpheus carolinensis, Aud. 
Mimus carolinensis, Gray, Bd., and of modern authors. 
Galeoscoptes carolinensis, Cab., Bd., Sumich., Scl., Stev. 
Felivox carolinensis, Bp. 
Turdus felivox, Vieil., Bp., Nutt., Aud. 
Orpheus felivox, Sw. & Rich., Aud. 
Mimus felivox, Bp. 
Turdus lividus, Wils. 
Length, 8.85; wing, 3.65; tail, 4; tarsus, 1.5. 
Hab.—United States, north to Red River and Saskatchewan; west to 
the Columbia, to Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado; south to Panama, 
Mexico, Cuba. Resident in Southern States (Coues). 
Locally termed ‘ Blackbird.” Resident and abundant; its harsh, 
mewing cry may be heard all the year round, relieved in spring by a 
weak but commendable roundelay. After a shower of rain in May or 
June the marshes appear literally alive with these sprightly birds, and 
a most agreeable concert takes place among the males, prolonged till 
dusk should the weather continue fine. On ordinary occasions during 
spring time they sing a good deal, but rain seems to delight them be- 
yond measure. They are at most times remarkably bold birds, and fol- 
low an intruder through the swamp or cedar grove, perching close to 
him and scolding most unmusically; but when a pair have a nest they 
are far more suspicious, and silently leave the neighborhood of their 
home. The hen bird sits very close on her eggs, but when disturbed 
darts rapidly away, returning as quickly and noiselessly when danger is 
past. Nidification commences about the end of March and again at the 
end of May, two broods being reared. The nest isa large clumsy struct- 
ure, built of dry grasses, weeds, and twigs, lined with small rootlets. 
It is very often ornamented externally with rags, bits of paper, skele- 
ton leaves, &c., according to the quaint fancy of the architect. The 
usual site is in a cedar branch or lemon tree, at from three to eight feet 
from the ground; but occasionally an ambitious pair will go a few feet 
higher. Eggs deep blue, with a greenish tinge, .92 in. by .68 in., usually 
four in number. Among the numerous nests I examined I found a con- 
siderable proportion to contain one egg much shorter and rounder than 
