THE CAT BIRD. 65

lody, there is a seeming effort which de-
tracts from its charms. When angry, the
Cat Bird mews and screams incessantly,
and from this cause, it is common to treat
the bird with contempt. But those who
have watched it long and closely, say
that the contempt is not deserved—and
that this suspicious bird is not only grace-
ful in its movements, but when not dis-
turbed, delightful in its song. It is
very mischievous, annoying the other
birds by mocking their calls, stealing bits
of every thing it can carry to build and
strengthen its nest. The eggs are com-
monly four, of a deep emerald green, with-
out spots. The Cat Birds sometimes
raise two and even three broods in a
season. |
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