I 



CEDAR BIRD, OR CHERRY BIRD, 249 



This common native wanderer, which in the summer 

 extends its migrations to the remotest unpeopled regions 

 of Canada,* is also found throughout the American conti- 

 nent to Mexico, and parties occasionally even roam to 

 the tropical forests of Cayenne. In all this extensive 

 geographical range, where great elevation or latitude 

 tempers the climate so as to be favorable to the produc- 

 tion of juicy fruits, the Cedar Bird will probably be 

 found either almost wholly to reside, or to pass the season 

 of reproduction. Like its European representative (the 

 Waxen Chatterer), it is capable of braving a consid- 

 erable degree of cold, for in Pennsylvania and New Jer- 

 sey some of these birds are seen throughout the winter, 

 where, as well as in the early part of the summer and 

 fall, they are killed and brought to market, generally fat, 

 and much esteemed as food. Silky softness of plumage, 

 gentleness of disposition, innocence of character, extreme 

 sociability, and an innate, inextinguishable love of free- 

 dom, accompanied by a constant desire of wandering, 

 are characteristic traits in the physical and moral por- 

 trait of the second as well as the preceding species of 

 this peculiar and extraordinary genus. 



Leaving the northern part of the continent, situated 

 beyond the 40th degree, at the approach of winter, they 

 assemble in companies of 20 to a hundred, and wander 

 through the Southern States and Mexico to the confines 

 of the equator, in all of which countries they are now 

 either common or abundant. As observed by Audubon, 

 their flight is easy, continued, and often performed at a 

 considerable height ; and they move in flocks or compa- 

 nies, making several turns before they alight. As the 

 mildness of spring returns, and with it their favorite food, 

 they reappear in the Northern and Eastern States about 



* Seen hy Mr. Say near VVinnJpique river in Ifttitqde 50, 



