336 
INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS. 
birds’ eggs, those of the Thrasher, and young of the same 
species, were instantly turned out of the nest in which 
they had been placed. Yet the male, divesting himself 
of selfish jealousy, observing the distress and helplessness 
of the young thus dislodged by his mate, began to feed 
them as his own. Their sagacity is therefore superior to 
that of the ordinary Thrushes, as the Tardus Wilsonii is 
even one of the duped nurses occasionally employed by 
the Cow-Bird. 
The food of the Cat-bird is similar to that of the preced- 
ing species, being insects and worms, particularly beetles, 
and various garden fruits ; feeding its young often on 
cherries, and other kinds of fruits. Sometimes they 
are observed to attack snakes when they approach the 
vicinity of their brood, and commonly succeed in driving 
off the enemy ; when bitten, however, by the poisonous 
kinds, it is probable, as related, that they may act in such 
a manner, as to appear laboring under the influence of 
fascination. The Cat-bird, when raised from the nest, is 
easily domesticated, becomes a very amusing inmate, 
and seems attached to his cage, as to a dwelling or place 
of security. About dawn of day, if at large, he flirts 
about with affected wildness, repeatedly jerks his tail 
and wings with the noise almost of a whip, and stretch- 
ing forth his head, opens his momh and mews. Some- 
times this curious cry is so guttural as to be uttered with- 
out opening the bill. He often also gives a squeal as he 
flies from one place to another ; and is very tame, though 
pugnacious to all other birds which approach him for 
injury. When wanting food, he stirs round with great un- 
easiness, jerks every thing about within his reach, and 
utters the feeble cry of the caged Mocking-bird. A very 
amusing individual, which I now describe, began his vo- 
cal powers by imitating the sweet and low warble of the 
