CATBIRD 



Top of head and tail black; back and wings ashy; under 

 parts drab; chestnut patch under the tail; feet and bill black. 

 Length, eight inches. 



Nest usually in a thicket or brush pile, bulky and care- 

 lessly made of twigs, leaves, rootlets and grass. Eggs, three 

 to five, greenish-blue, .70 x .95 inches. 



This queer, familiar bird after spending the winter in 

 Florida, Mexico or Cuba, comes to the Northern States early 

 in May and remains until the middle of October. It is common 

 everywhere east of the Rockies. It is oftenest found in the 

 thick brush about swamps, along river banks and in the shrub- 

 bery of gardens, but rarely in the deep woods. This may be due 

 to its attachment to man whom it trusts confidently and fears 

 but little. 



Owing to its plain, dark dress, the Catbird is not especially 

 beautiful, but, because of its striking characteristic of song and 

 conduct, it is very attractive. Hopping from branch to branch 

 or darting in and out among the bushes, first prinking its 

 plumage, then posing for show, now dejected and forlorn, then 

 instantly alert and angry, the Catbird is an interesting study 

 in moods. 



When startled, it will utter the mew peculiar to a lost kitten 

 in a tone that is very natural. With head-feathers and tail 

 erect, it will charge upon you if you approach its nest or young, 

 circling about your head in a manner that is perfectly fearless, 

 At the sight of a cat or dog, this bird will fall to mewing and 

 scolding furiously. Its courage is remarkable. It will bravely 

 attack the stealthy black snake, that robber of birds' nests, and 



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