Catesby, Mark. Vol.I, Tab. 66, The Cat-Bird

Mark Catesby The Cat-Bird, Vol.I, Tab. 66 Etching with hand color 19" x 14" sheet  From Volume I, Part 4 of Catesby's Natural History of Carolina, Florida & the Bahama Islands London: 1731 - 1771 Currently known as the gray catbird, Dumetella  carolinensis and sweet pepper bush,Clethra alnifolia*, Catesby described these subjects as follows: MUSCICAPA VERTICE NIGRO. The Cat-Bird. This Bird is about the size of, or somewhat bigger than a Lark. The Crown of the Head is black; the Upper-part of the Body, Wings and Tail, dark brown; particularly the Tail approaches nearest to black. The Neck, Breast, and Belly, are of a lighter brown. From the Vent, under the Tail, shoot forth some Feathers, of a dirty red. This Bird is not seen on lofty Trees; but frequents Bushes and Thickets; and feeds on Insects. It has but one Note, which resembles the Mewing of a Cat, and which has given it its Name. It lays a blue Egg; and retires from Virginia in Winter. Alni, folia Americana Serrata, floribus