REDBIRD--REDBREAST 771 
of that country, Zringa americana (p. 172); but at best only applic- 
able to it in summer-plumage. 
REDBIRD, a name of Cardinalis virginianus (CARDINAL), and 
with the prefix “Summer” of a species of TANAGER, Pyranga xstiva, 
since it occurs at that season only within the United States of 
America. 
REDBREAST, the name of a bird which from its manners, no 
less familiar than engaging, has for a long while been so great a 
favourite among all classes in Great Britain as to have gained an 
almost sacred character. The pleasing colour of its plumage—one 
striking feature of which is expressed by its ancient name—its 
sprightly air, full dark eye, enquiring and sagacious demeanour, 
added to the trust in man it often exhibits, but, above all, the 
cheerful sweetness of its song, even “ when winter chills the day” 
and scarce another bird is heard—combine to produce the effects 
just mentioned, so that among many European nations it has 
earned some endearing name, though there is no country in which 
“ Robin Redbreast” is held so highly in regard as England. Well 
known as is its appearance and voice throughout the whole year in 
the British Islands, there are not many birds which to the 
attentive observer betray more unmistakably the influence of the 
migratory impulse; but somewhat close scrutiny is needed to 
reveal this fact. In the months of July and August the hedgerows 
of the southern counties of England may be seen to be beset with 
Redbreasts, not in flocks as is the case with so many other species, 
but each individual keeping its own distance from the next >—all, 
however, pressing forward on their way to cross the Channel. On 
the European continent the migration is still more marked, and the 
Redbreast on its autumnal and vernal passages is the object of 
hosts of bird-catchers, since its value as a delicacy for the table has 
long been recognized.? But even those Redbreasts which stay in 
Britain during the winter are subject to a migratory movement 
easily perceived by any one that will look out for it. Occupying 
during autumn their usual haunts in outlying woods or hedges, the 
1 English colonists in distant lands have gladly applied the common nick- 
name of the Redbreast to other birds that are not immediately allied to it. 
The ordinary ‘“‘ Rosin” of North America is a Thrush, Turdus migratorius 
(FIELDFARE, p. 250), and the BLurBirps of the same continent belonging to 
the genus Sialia in ordinary speech are Blue ‘‘ Robins”; while the same 
familiar name is given in the various communities of Australasia to several 
species of Petraca and its allies, though some have no red breast. 
2 It is a very old saying that Unum arbustum non alit duos Erithacos—one 
bush does not harbour two Redbreasts. 
3 Of late years an additional impulse has been given to the capture of this 
species by the absurd fashion of using its skin for the trimming of ladies’ 
dresses and ‘‘ Christmas cards.” 
