_Dumatella carolinensis. Case 4, Fig. 81; Case 6, Fig. 71_
Both sexes of the Catbird wear the same costume at
all seasons and all ages. L. 9.
_Range._ Nests from Florida and Texas to Canada
winters from South Carolina to the tropics.
Washington, abundant S.R., Apl. 34-Oct. 11;
occasionally winters. Ossining, common S.R. Apl.
28-Oct. 25. Cambridge, abundant S.R., May 6-Oct.
1; occasional in winter. N. Ohio, common S.R.,
Apl. 21-Oct. 5. Glen Ellyn, common S.R., Apl.
29-Oct. 6. SE. Minn., common S.R., Apl. 30-Oct. 6.
If the Catbird's name were based on his song instead of on his
call-note, he might have won the popularity he deserves, but which seems
forever denied him. Taking kindly to civilization he makes his home near
ours, asking only the shelter of our shrubbery and a share of our small
fruits in return for three months of music such as but few birds can
produce.
The Catbird nests in bushes and thickets laying 3-5 greenish blue eggs
in May.