Catbirds easily become acquainted with man and often build their 
nests within a few feet of the house. It is interesting to study the habits 
of the catbird, for he is continually delighting the observer by his actions, 
constantly displaying new traits of character and individuality. His food 
varies according to the season. He eats berries and small fruit, prefer- 
After U. S. Biological Survey. 
Ting the wild to the cultivated when he can get them. Taking as a whole 
the time the catbird stays with us his food consists largely of insects. 
For every piece of fruit the catbird takes he destroys thousands of in- 
jurious insects. The catbird has an interesting habit of mimicing the 
notes and songs of other birds. 
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH-(^/f^a caroHnensis.) 
Top of head and front part of the back shining black; rest of upper 
parts bluish gray; some black and white marks on the wings and tail; 
-.sides of head and under parts white, turning rusty on the belly; bill 
strong, straight and sharp pointed. 
Length about six inches. 
Resident. 
62 
