107 



CEDAR-BIRD. 



AMPELIS AMERICANA. 

 [Plate VII.— Fig. 1.] 



Ampellis garrulus^ Linn. Syst. I, 297, 1. /3. — Bomhycilla Carolinensis^ Brisson II, 337, 1. 

 Id. 8w. I, 251. — Chatterer of Carolina^ Catesb. I, 46. — Arct, Zool. II, No. 207. — Lath. 

 Syn. Ill, 93, 1. A. — Edw. 242. — Cook's Last Voyage, II, 518. — Ellis's Voyage, II, 

 13. — Pe ale's Museum, No. 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 elegant 

 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 ex- 

 tremely smooth and glossy. Notwithstanding the name Chatterers 

 given to them, they are perhaps the most silent species 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 fre- 

 quently 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 collateral ridges of the Alle- 

 ghany, to enjoy the fruit of the Vaccinium uliginosum, whortle- 

 berries, which grow there in great abundance; whole mountains, 

 for many miles, being almost entirely covered with them; and 

 where in the month of August I have myself found the Cedar-birds 

 numerous. In October they descend to the lower cultivated parts 

 of the country, to feed on the berries of the sour gum, and red 

 cedar, of which last they are immoderately fond; and thirty or 

 forty may sometimes be seen fluttering among the branches of one 

 small cedar tree, plucking oflF the berries. They are also found as 



