ACCENTO R RUB [DU Ss, Sieb., Temm. et Schleg.
Ruddy Accentor.

Accentor rubidus, Sieb., Temm. et Schleg. Faun. Jap., tab. xxxiii—Whitely, Ibis, 1867, p. 198.—Bonap. Consp.
Gene Ave tome p) 305) Accentor, sp. 7.

——— modularis rubidus, Sieb., Temm. et Schleg. Faun. Jap., p. 69.

——— (Tharrhaleus) rubidus, Gray, Hand-list of Birds, agua ee2 ole

 

Tue islands of Japan stand at the eastern extremity of Asia, as the British Islands do at the western ; for
Asia and Europe may be regarded as a continuous mass of land, stretching across the temperate region of
the Old World ; but why the avifaunas of those opposite regions should closely assimilate, is a problem
which naturalists have not been able to solve. In some instances the British and Japanese species are
identical, such as the Hawfinch (Coccothraustes vulgaris) and the Tree-creeper (Certhia fumiliaris) ;
while the Hedge Accentor (Accentor modularis) and the Robin (Erythacus rubecula), and many others, are
represented by closely allied but distinct species. At the same time, there are many birds, and very fine
ones, too, which are peculiar to Japan.

The bird here figured is closely allied to the Common Hedge Accentor (Accentor moduaris) of Britain,
and, judging from its structure and coloration and from what we know of the situations to which it resorts,
takes the place in northern Japan of our well-known species ; indeed, at a first glance, the two birds might
be considered identical; but on comparing the examples shot at Hakodadi, by Mr. Henry Whitely, with
British-killed specimens, certain marked differences are observable, which induces the ornithologist to regard
them as distinct, the redder hue of the upper surface of the Japanese bird, its shorter tail, and the deep
grey of its breast being the main points by which it is distinguished from its British ally. While speaking of
these differences I must remark that, upon comparing the figure of the bird published in the ‘ Fauna Japonica,’
I find it to differ somewhat from the one here given; and if the drawing in that work is correct, there must
be two species in Japan, in which case the bird I have represented will require a distinctive specific appel-
lation. I hesitate, however, to propose one at present, thinking it probable that the figure in the ‘ Fauna
Japonica’ may have been taken from an imperfect specimen, there being no indication of longitudinal striz
on the flanks, while in the specimens in my collection, procured by Mr. Whitely, they are as conspicuous as in
our own Accentor modularis. 1 must not omit to mention that Schlegel has remarked on the absence of the
striz from his bird, respecting which he says :—

“Japan is inhabited by an Accentor which resembles the ordinary species .4. modularis so closely that it
would seem to be merely a local race of the European bird. The only differences I have been able to detect
between them are that the Japanese bird has a shorter tail and certain modifications in its colouring: namely,
the brown of the back and wings has a purple tint, and the head and neck, which are of a dusky reddish-
brown, approaching a deep grey, are destitute of spots ; all the under surface, too, is of a nearly uniform
tint, and does not present the longitudinal streaks which ornament the flanks of the European species. In
every other respect they are alike.”

Mr. Henry Whitely, in his ‘ Notes on the Birds collected by him in aL Japan,’ says :—

«Two specimens only of this rare bird were obtained by me at Hakodadi,—the first on the 28th of
October, 1865, from a native birdcatcher, of whom I had endeavoured to purchase it some time before
when it was alive; but the price asked, two boos (4s.), was too much. The man told me it was the first
he had ever obtained. The second, a male, was shot on the 14th of November, in the same year, on a
bramble-bush, near the pine-wood at the foot of Hakodadi Head. In its habits it is evidently very shy and
retiring, and it was only by patiently watching the bramble-bush that I was at last able to get a clear shot
alt Titi”

The general tint of the entire plumage of the upper surface rusty Ree mah a dark brown centre to each
feather; the tips of the wing-coverts and some of the innermost seuoulatice ce paler ; ene head,
also, is somewhat lighter than the back; wings and tail dark brown, une Met with US 5 chin, throat,
breast, and upper part of the abdomen dark reddish grey ; posterior part o the flanks rusty, vert an obscure
streak of dark brown down the centre of each feather; vent and under tail-coverts pale rusty ; bill brownish
black ; irides light hazel; legs, toes, and claws pale brown.

The figures are of the natural size.