162 AMPELIDiE. 



to foretell war, pestilence, or famine ; and in some provinces 

 bears the name of death-bird, or pest-bird, Sterbevogel, or 

 Pestvogel. 



In its nature this bird is rather dull and stupid, but gentle 

 when caged, and patient. They live chiefly among them- 

 selves, and associate little with other species of birds. When 

 one Chatterer is seen alone, it must have been by some un- 

 lucky circumstance separated from its friends, and thus the 

 lonely wanderer will be found restless and roving about. In 

 other circumstances they are only seen in the act of feeding, 

 or perched on the branch of some tree, sitting close together. 



The flight of the Chatterer bears much resemblance to that 

 of the starling : they roost among the thickest branches of 

 trees and bushes, and in windy weather seek shelter very near 

 the ground, or hide in the crevices of rocks in rocky coun- 

 tries. 



There is no bird more tame, or sooner reconciled to his 

 fate in confinement than the Chatterer, provided he is well 

 supplied with food (which his great appetite demands), and 

 which consists entirely of berries of many kinds. When 

 caged it is necessary to keep this bird in a cool room, as heat 

 is hurtful to it ; and it requires a constant supply of water 

 for bathing. 



Of the reproduction of the Bohemian Chatterer little is 

 known, nor has its egg yet been described. These birds 

 breed, it is believed, within the Arctic Circle, in holes among 

 rocks, or in deep forests. 



In countries where these birds arrive in numbers, they are 

 caught for the table, and are said to be very delicious food, 

 owing to a certain spicy flavour, and a pleasantly bitter taste ; 

 besides which their great and insatiable appetite fattens them 

 and keeps them always in good condition. 



Few winters pass in Scotland or England in which this 

 elegant species is not seen more or less, sometimes in pairs, 



