14 



CAT BIRD. 



(Oaleoscoptes Carolinensis.) 



Another member of the thrash family is this saucy 

 fellow, and also first cousin to the mocking bird of the 

 South. Arrives in this section about the first of Fifth 

 month (May), and stays with us all summer. In early 

 spring its song is beautiful,- but in autumn it tarns to 

 a shrill harsh cry somewhat resembling that of a cat — 

 hence the name. They are common throughout the 

 entire country. Plumage bluish drab, with the excep- 

 tion of a patch upon the head, and the tail, which are 

 black. In song it can imitate many different notes, 

 and for this reason is called the Northern Mockingbird. 

 Nest placed in low bushy or briery places, composed of 

 coarse sticks lined with grass and leaves, shallow. 

 Eggs four, oval, rich blue. 



MOCKING-BIRD. 



{Mimus Polyglottus.) 

 Although this thrush lives in the South - and is not 

 often seen by northerners, yet it claims our attention. 

 For mimicry there are none that can match it, for it 

 can imitate the notes of all birds from the largest to 

 the smallest. It is said that this bird has often caused 

 small birds to hide by uttering the sharp cry of a hawk 

 or owl. This bird is a great friend of man and delights 

 to make its abode near his home. Plumage a general 

 ash or drab with a little black; tail long. Nest placed 

 in large bushes or trees near a house. Eggs four or 

 five in number, ashy or gray mixture in color, rather 

 small. 



