VIRGINIAN BIRDS. 195 
This bird is of the colour and about the size 
of a thrush^ but more slender; it imitates die 
song of every other bird; but with increased 
strength and sweetness. The bird whose song 
it mocks generally flies away; as if conscious of 
being excelled by the other; and dissatisfied 
with its own powers. It is a remark; how¬ 
ever; made by Catesby; and which appears to 
be a very just one; that the birds in America 
are much inferior to those in Europe in the 
melody of their notes; but that they are supe¬ 
rior in point of plumage. I know of no Ameri¬ 
can bird that has the rich mellow note of our 
black-bird; the sprightly note of the sky-lark, 
or the sweet and plaintive one of the nightin¬ 
gale. 
After having listened to the mocking bird 
there is no novelty in hearing' the song of any 
other bird in the country; and indeed their 
songs are for the most part but very simple in 
themselves; though combined they are pleas¬ 
ing- 
The most remarkable for their plumage of 
those commonly met with; are; the blue bird 
and the red bird. The first is about the size 
of a linnet; its back; bead; and wings are of 
dark yet bright blue; when flying the plumage 
appears to the greatest advantage. The red 
bird is larger than a sky lark; though smaller 
than a thrush; it is of a vermilion colour; and 
o% 
