Catbird

( Zool.) The Mimus felivox of Vieillot, an American bird of the Liotrichidæ or Mocker family. It inhabits the States east of the Mi ouri, is le than nine inches long, the wing over three and a half inches; the general color dark plumbeous; the under tail coverts dark brownish-chestnut. In spring its song is exceedingly varied, mellow, and sweet. IMG:content-0085.png:[blocks in formation] It also po e es a remarkable power of imitating the notes of other birds, and has been heard to imitate perfectly a strain of "Yankee Doodle." Sometimes it mews or miauls like a cat, and in a most disagreeable manner, which greatly detracts from its proper estimation; because all do not know that at times it sends forth the sweetest music. The nest is generally built in low bushes, and composed of dry twigs and gra without, and fibrous roots within; eggs 4 to 6, glo y greenish blue. Two broods are raised in a season.