THE SINGING BIRDS. 



21- 



instance in which he heard a Blackbird cackle as a hen does after laying. This species pairs and 

 breeds very early in the spring, generally choosing the centre of some thick bush in which to fix and 

 conceal the nest. The exterior is formed of coarse roots and strong bents of grass, plastered over 

 and interlaced with dirt on the inner surface, thus forming a stiff wall ; it is then lined with fine grass. 

 The eggs are four or five, sometimes six in number, of a light blue, speckled and spotted with pale 

 reddish brown (see Fig. 13, Coloured Plate XVI.) Occasionally they are of an uniform blue shade. 

 Their length is one inch and two lines, and their breadth eight lines. The first brood is hatched by 

 the end of March, or early in April. 



The MOCKING THRUSHES (Mimi) constitute a family nearly allied to the birds above 



THE MOCKING BIRD (.Vi/IUIS $oly£lottus). 



described. They arc recognisable by their slender bodies, and short but strong wings, that only 

 extend as far as the base of the long tail, and have the third, fourth, and fifth quills of equal length. 

 The exterior tail-feathers are graduated, the tarsi high, the feet large and powerful, and the claws 

 comparatively weak. The beak somewhat resembles that of the True Thrush, but is much higher 

 and more arched ; the plumage, moreover, is unusually soft and lax. Unlike the True Thrushes, the 

 members of this group do not prefer forests or woodlands, but frequent open tracts, marshy districts, 

 or even the sea-coast ; and while some seek the retirement of the most isolated situations, others 

 make their home close to the dwellings of man. Such species as inhabit the southern portions of the 

 western hemisphere do not migrate, whilst those from the north, when winter approaches, wander 

 southward as far as the United States or even Central America. All American writers speak with 

 enthusiasm of the song of these birds ; and though we are by no means inclined to allow them the 



