The Mockingbird in the Boston Region and in New England and Canada

Abstract

purpose of this paper is to review recorded occurrences of the Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos polyglottos) in New England from the earliest records to the present time and to indicate thereby a definite increase in its representation during the period covered, especially in more recent years. In Samuel's 'Birds of New England,' 1883, p. 168, originally published in 1867, it is stated of the Mockingbird, This bird is so exceedingly rare in New England that it can scarcely be regarded otherwise than as an accidental visitor; and Massachusetts is certainly its northern limit. In a 'Key to North American Birds' by Elliott Coues, fifth edition, 1903, originally published in 1872, the range of the species is given as The United States from Atlantic to Pacific, southerly; rarely north to New England, and not common north of 380; though known to reach 42?. In 'A History of North American Birds' by Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway, 1905, originally published in 1874, it is stated, The Mockingbird is distributed on the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to Florida. It is by no means a common bird in New England, but instances of its breeding as far as Springfield, Mass., are of constant (?) occurence, and a single individual was seen by Mr. Boardman near Calais, Maine. Minot in his 'Land Birds and Game Birds of New England,' 1876, states, A very rare or almost accidental summer visitor to Southern New England. Mr. William Brewster in the revised edition of the work, 1895, states in a qualifying footnote to Mimus polyglottos, A local and very uncommon, but probably quite regular summer resident of southern New England, seen oftenest on or near the coast. One or two specimens have been taken in