Stevie Silliman, age 11, of Louisville, Kentucky, for his questions

Does the mocking bird actually mimic sounds he hears?

This fellow really earns his name. He listens to the woodland songsters, chooses one and imitates it. Not only does he mimic the song of another bird, but he also improves upon it. For his own voice is very sweet, sweeter than most bird voices. He is indeed a mocking bird and his imitation is bettor than the original.

The mocking bird is a your‑round. resident of our southern states. His range is clear across the continent. In summer he may migrate a short distance farther north. His sweet song may be heard around the southern tip of the Great Lakes.