BLACK-BELLIED WATER OUZEL.

Cinclus melanogaster, Brehm.

La Cincle a ventre noir.

A specimEN of M. Brehm’s Cinclus melanogaster having been transmitted to us by M. Temminck, we have
ventured to give a figure of it, although we agree with the latter gentleman in questioning its specific value ;
it therefore remains for a future knowledge of its habits and manners to decide whether it may be considered
as distinct, or only a variety dependent upon difference of climate and locality. In its general size and
relative admeasurements it is rather less than the common species (Cinclus aquaticus), and is of a deeper
colour both on the upper and under surfaces. According to M. Brehm it inhabits the north-eastern parts of
the Continent, visiting in very severe winters the coasts of the Baltic, and is neither shy in its habits nor
distrustful of the presence of man.

Its food consists of insects and their larve.

The head, back of the neck, and all the under surface deep chocolate black ; the feathers of the back dark
grey in the centre, with broad black edgings ; wings and tail black ; throat and chest white ; feet dark brown ;
bill blackish brown.

We have figured an adult of the natural size.