LiifitributioE of New i^ingiand Birds. - 

 A Reply lo Dr. Brewer. H.A.Purdie. 



3^ Uohin (Turdus migmtorius), c/c^-*'* Ly A. ^. (ju a. 



In the "Historj- of North American Birds," by Messrs. Baird, Brewer, 

 and Bidgway, we find the following respecting the winter distribution 

 of the Robin : " In the winter months it is most abundant in the South- 

 ern States, while in the Middle and even the Northern States, in favorable 

 localities, it may be found throughout the year ; its migrations being 

 influenced more by the question of food than of climate. In the valleys 

 among the White Mountains, where snow covers the ground from October 

 to June, and where the cold reaches the freezing-point of mercury, flocks 

 of Robins remain during the entire winter, attracted by the abundance of 

 berries. In Massachusetts a few Robins remain throughout the year, but 

 the greater proportion leave early in November, returning late in February 

 or early in March." 



JSuU. N.0.0. 2, Jan.. 18 , 7. P. /V. 



DistTibution of New England Birds. - 

 A Reply to Dr.Brewer. h- A. Pui-die. 



Of course, after all that has been written upon the subject, I was 

 aware that generally a species is not resident individual/.!/ in a 

 given section of territory. His remark respecting the Robin, that 

 the birds found with us in winter are not the same as those that 

 pass the summer here, but " are of a very different race," is not at all 

 to the point at issue. As a species, I say Turdus migratorius is a resi- 

 dent iif New England. If, however, as he holds, the birds found in 

 winter are another and very different race, — as race is now under- 

 stood — he should have so indicated it in the Catalogue, perhaps 

 as " Turdus hyperhoreiis. Arctic Robin. 



BuU.N.O.0. 2, Jan.. 1877. p. IZ. 



