114 THE ROBIN, OR REDBREAST. 



The genus Erythaca, or Robins, placed next to 

 the Stonechats, has as yet, we believe, had only 

 one species characterized as belonging to it, the 

 corresponding extra European forms bearing other 

 titles. 



ERYTHACA, Swainson. Generic characters. 

 Bill strong^ depressed at the base ; tip obso- 

 letely notched ; rictus weakly bristled ; wings 

 graduated, fourth quill longest, first rather 

 short | tarsi rather long ; feet formed for 

 being on the ground ; claws not much bent. 

 E. rubecula. 



Note. Form compact, rather robust ; plumage 

 rather loose. Europe, Africa occasionally ; 

 , habits social. 



THE ROBIN, OR REDBREAST. 



Erythaca rubecula SWAINSON. 

 VIGNETTE. 



Motacilla rubecula, Linn. Sylvia rubecula, Lath. . 



Erythaca rubecula, Swainson Redbreast, or Robin 



of British authors. 



THE common Robin, or Redbreast, has been 

 so frequently described, and has been the subject 

 of so many anecdotes from the time of the publica- 

 tion of the Babes of the Wood," until that of the 

 works of 1839, that we shall confine our observa- 



