674 



APPENDIX. 



[No. V. 



maize, and destroy often a great part of the crop. It has been removed by M. Tem- 

 minck from Gracula, to the genus in which it is now placed. 



Sturnus Ludovicianus . Meadow Lark. 



The Meadow Lark was described by Linnaeus both as an Alauda, and as a Sturnus, 

 and even the careful and accurate Brisson, fell into the same error ; they considered 

 that they were describing different birds. The two were brought together as varieties 

 of one species, by Dr. Latham, the one being placed as a native of Carolina, and the 

 other of Louisiana ; but these are probably not varieties, but the same bird in differ- 

 ent states of plumage. The manners and habits of the species have some accordance 

 with those of the genus Alauda, and as it usually frequents low grassy fields, it has 

 acquired the name of Meadow Lark in America. These birds migrate partially, for 

 some remain in the same parts of the United States the whole year. Two specimens 

 were received, apparently male and female, one being less brilliant in colour than the 

 other. The bird is larger than the Common Starling, mottled over the whole upper 

 parts with dark and light brown, having a white stripe along the middle of the head i 

 the under parts are bright yellow crossed on the heck with a crescent of black, whence 

 it has been called the Crescent Stare. 



Turdus Migratorius. Red-breasted Thrush. 



This bird is noticed both by Hearne and Forster ; it is well known in the United 

 States as the Robin. In its notes, manners, and habits, it bears a strong resemblance 

 to our Common Thrush, supplying the place of that delightful songster to the inhabit- 

 ants of North America, in every part of which it is known at various periods of the 

 year. The specimen received is not so brilliant as that figured by Wilson, and is 

 probably therefore that of a female. 



Lanius Excubitor. Great Cinereous Shrike. 



This butcher bird is an inhabitant, though not particularly abundant, of the 

 northern parts of Europe, Asia, and America. Wilson doubted whether the Ame- 

 rican bird was the same species as is known and described under the above name 

 by European naturalists ; but a comparison of specimens, which he had not the 

 opportunity of instituting, is decisive of their identity. From its bearing a general 

 resemblance in its plumage to the Canada Jay, it has obtained among the settlers 

 round Hudson's Bay the name of White Whisky-john. 



Sylvia /Estiva. Yellow-polled Warbler. 



The yellow colour of this little bird is not confined to its head alone, but extends 



