GENUS 33. A.MPELIS. CHATTERER. 
SPECIES. A. AMERICANA.* 
CEDAR-BIRD. 
[Plate VII. — Fig. 1.] 
Ampelis garrulus, Linn. Syst. i, 297, 1. j0 . — Bomhycilla Carolin- 
ensis, Brisson ii, 337, 1. Id. 8vo. 1, 251 . — Chatterer of Caro- 
lina, Catesb. I, 46. — .drct. Zool. ii, No. 207.-— Lath. Syn. 
Ill, 93, 1. Jl. — Edw. 242. — Cook's Last Voyage, ii, 518. — El- 
lis’s Voyage, ii, 13. — Peale’s JUitseMwi, 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 ele- 
gant an appearance. At pleasure it can lower and contract this so 
closely to its head and neclt,as not to be observed. The plumage 
of these birds is of an exquisitely fine and silky texture, lying 
extremely smooth and glossy. Notwithstanding the name 
Chatterers given to them, they are perhaps the most silent spe- 
cies 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 frequently 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 col- 
* This species does not belong to the genus Jlmpdis as at present restricted, 
but to the genus Bomhycilla of Brisson, adopted by most modern Ornitholo- 
gists. 
Brisson’s specific name, Carolinensis, having the priority must be adopted 
for this bird. 
Wilson was wrong in quoting Jlmfclis garrulus, Linn, as a synonyme. 
