114 THE ROBIN, OR REDBREAST. 
The genus Erythaca, or Robins, placed next to 
the Stonechats, has as yet, we believe, had only- 
one species characterized as belonging to it, the 
corresponding extra European forms bearing other 
titles. 
Erythaca, Swainson. — Generic characters . — 
Bill strong, depressed at the base ; tip obso- 
letely notched ; rictus weakly bristled ; wings 
graduated, fourth quill longest, first rather 
short ; tarsi rather long ; feet formed for 
being on the ground ; claws not much bent. 
E. rubecula. 
Note . — Form compact, rather robust ; plumage 
rather loose. Europe, Africa occasionally ; 
habits social. 
THE ROBIN, OR REDBREAST. 
Erythaca rubecula. — Swainson. 
VIGNETTE. 
Motaciila rubecula, Linn. — Sylvia rubecula, Lath. — 
Erythaca rubecula, Swainson Redbreast, or Robin 
of British authors. 
The common Robin, or Redbreast, has been 
so frequently described, and has been the subject 
of so many anecdotes from the time of the publica- 
tion of the “ Babes of the Wood,” until that of the 
works of 1839, that we shall confine our observa- 
