MOCKING-BIRD. 
105 
the tail is cuneiform, the two exterior feathers wholly white, the 
rest, except the middle ones, tipt with white; the chin is white; 
sides of the neck, breast, belly and vent a brownish white, much 
purer in wild birds than in those that have been domesticated; 
iris of the eye yellowish cream coloured, inclining to golden ; bill 
black, the base of the lower mandible whitish; legs and feet 
black, and strong. The female very much resembles the male; 
what difference there is has been already pointed out in a pre- 
ceding part of this account. The breast of the young bird is 
spotted like that of the Thrush. 
Mr. William Bartram observes of the Mocking-bird, that 
‘‘ formerly, say thirty or forty years ago, they were numerous, 
“ and often staid all winter with us, or the year through, feed- 
“ ing on the berries of ivy, smilax, grapes, persimmons, and 
“ other berries. The ivy {Hedera helex) they were particularly 
“ fond of, though a native of Europe. We have an ancient plant 
“ adhering to the wall of the house, covering many yards of 
“ surface; this vine is very fruitful, and here many would feed 
and lodge during the winter, and in very severe cold weather 
“ sit on the top of the chimney to warm themselves.” He also 
adds, “ I have observed that the Mocking-bird ejects from his 
stomach through his mouth the hard kernels of berries, such 
‘‘ as smilax, grapes, &c. retaining the pulpy part.”* 
* Letter from Mr. Bartram to the author. 
VOL. 11. — O 
