PERCHING BIRDS. tS 
must not be confounded; the European bird belongs to 
a different family, the Warblers; it is smaller, and has 
greater compass and variety of song. The American 
Robin, however, can be educated to imitate various 
birds, and even to sing tunes, and it is amusing to hear 
it pipe out so solemn a strain as that of Old Hundred. 
The European bird is much more familiar than our Robin, 
sometimes, in winter, tapping at the window, or even 
entering the house in search of crumbs. 
250. One of the most singular of the Thrushes is the 
Dipper, or Water Ousel, Fig. 123. This is found in En- 
mts SS ‘. \ 
\ Y \ 
A il ‘ oy \ th 
=~ \ \\ ahh 
fli; We \ \ W\ Ritts 
y \ \ fi SA 
Fig. 123.—The Water Ousel. 
gland, and also on the Continent of Europe, chiefly in 
hilly places where there are clear and rapid streams. It 
is a great diver, and has the habit of dipping and rising 
many times in succession, which gives it its name. There 
is an American Dipper, almost the counterpart of the 
European one; it is found in the western part of North 
America. It is very fully described by Nuttal, who says 
that it flits about our streams with gravelly beds, occa- 
sionally diving for its prey, and that “in the very depths 
of winter and in early spring it contributes to cheer its 
wild and dreary haunts by its simple, clear, and sweetly- 
warbled notes, somewhat resembling those of the young 
Song-thrush.” 
251. There are many birds of this family that it would 
