GENUS 33. AMPRLIS. CHATTERER. 



SPECIES. A. AMERICANS* 



CEDAR-BIRD. 



[Plate VII. Fig. 1.] 



Jimpdis garrulus, LINN. Syst. i, 297, 1. ft. Bombycilla Carotin- 

 ensis, BHISSON n, 337, 1. Id. 8uo. 1, 251. Chatterer of Caro- 

 lina, CATESB. i, 46. .flrcf. Zool. n, JVo. 207. LATH. Syn. 

 m,93, 1. A. EDW. 242. COOK'S Last Voyage, n, 518. EL- 

 LIS'S Voyage, n, 13. PEALE'S Museum, JVo. 5608. 



THE figure of the Cedar-bird which accompanies this descrip- 

 tion was drawn from a very beautiful specimen; and exhibits 

 the form of its crest when erected, which gives it so gay and ele- 

 gant an appearance. At pleasure it can lower and contract this so 

 closely to its head and neck, as not to be observed. The plumage 

 of these birds is of an exquisitely fine and silky texture, lying 

 extremely smooth and glossy. Notwithstanding the name 

 Chatterers given to them, they are perhaps the most silent spe- 

 cies we have; making only a feeble, lisping sound, chiefly as they 

 rise or alight. They fly in compact bodies, of from twenty to 

 fifty; and usually alight so close together on the same tree, that 

 one half are frequently shot down at a time. In the months of 

 July and August, they collect together in flocks, and retire to 

 the hilly parts of the state, the Blue Mountains and other col- 



* This species does not belong to the genus Jlmpdis as at present restricted, 

 but to the genus Bombycilla of Brisson, adopted by most modern Ornitholo- 



Brisson's specific name, Carolinensis, having the priority must be adopted 

 for this bird. 



Wilson was wrong in quoting Jlmpelis garru/tw, LINN, as a synonyme. 



