CYANECULA LEUCOCYANA.
White-throated Bluebreast.

Cyanecula leucocyana, Brehm, Naum. Vog. t. 364. f. 1, 2, & t. 365. f. lee

 

Ow reference to my description of Cyanecula suecica it will be seen that I have questioned whether the
various Bluebreasts which are found in Europe and in many parts of Africa, India, and China are distinct
from each other, or merely varieties of one and the same species. But if we consider the numerous Yellow
Wagtails which extend over a similar area distinct, it will scarcely be consistent to unite the differently
coloured Bluebreasts. When these pretty birds are more closely studied I think it likely they will be still
further separated than they have been. As to the countries they frequent, each appears to be confined to a
particular locality. In Europe these variously marked migrants resort in summer to very different sections
of this portion of the globe. The first-described species (the Motacilla suecica of Linneeus), which
is distinguished by a red spot in the centre of the blue breast, frequents the most northern and eastern
parts ; while the Cyanecula leucocyana, with a silky-white spot in the same place, is found in the southern
and western portions of the continent—that is, from the banks of the Rhine to the Mediterranean. Both the
red- and the white-spotted birds have been seen in the British Islands ; but it is upon the latter only that it
is necessary to remark here. Of the C. svecica sufficient has been said in the description accompanying the
Plate of that species. There can be no doubt that a bird of this genus has been met with in the Isle of
Wight; and Mr. Harting especially notes, in bis valuable ‘ Handbook of British Birds,’ that it had a white
spot on the throat. Those who desire to know more respecting this occurrence will do well to consult the
‘ Zoologist ’ for 1865, where a considerable amount of information is given.

In the ‘ Natural History, General and Particular,’ of the celebrated Buffon, vol. 15 (Birds), translated by
William Smellie, an elaborate and interesting article on the habits of the White-throated Bluebreast will be
found. A comparison is first made between it and the Robin ; and be then goes on to state that “ they have
also the same habits; only their haunts are different: the Redbreast lives in the heart of the woods ; but
the Bluebreast frequents their skirts, and also marshes, wet m eadows, and places which are covered with
willows and reeds. And (with the same solitary instincts as the Redbreast) it seems alike to be familiar with
man ; for, after the summer months have been spent in its sequestered retreats, it visits the gardens, avenues,
and hedges before its departure, and ventures so near that it may be easily shot. Like the Redbreast it
never keeps in flocks, and seldom more than two are seen together. At the end of summer, says Lottinger,
the Bluebreasts alight in the fields that are sown with large kinds of grain. Frisch mentions fields of peas
as their favourite haunt, and pretends that they breed among them; but their nests are more often found
among the willow, osier, and other bushes which grow in wet situations. During the love-season the male
mounts perpendicularly to a moderate height in the air, chanting as he rises; he then whirls round, aud
drops on to a bough as cheerfully as a Pettychaps, with which the Bluebreast seems to have some habits in
common. He also sings in the night; and, according to Frisch, his warble is very sweet. The Bluebreast
is as fond of bathing as the Redbreast, and often haunts the margin of waters. It lives on worms and
other insects, and in the season of its passage also eats elderberrics. It may be seen among the fens,
seeking its food on the ground, running briskly, and cocking its tail, especially the male when he hears the
real or imitated voice of the female. Among the adult males some have the whole of the neck blue; and
these are probably old birds, particularly as the remainder of the colours and the red zone on tine Dy
appear to be deeper in those individuals. The others, which are more numerous, have a spot like a half
collar, of a fine white, which Frisch compares to the lustre of polished silver ; and from a character the
birdeatchers of Brandenburg have applied the name of Mirror-bird. These rich colours tarnish and fade in
confinement, and even after the first moulting.

“They are frequent in Alsace ; but though they are spread through Germany, they are not very common
in any part.” —— : :

Bailly, speaking of the true Cyanecula leucocyana under (ine wenDE of Rutieiila cyanecula a Cee
de la Savoie,’ says :—‘‘ This species is not rare ma Savoy during its spring me ee oe a oe
many hunters do not know it, and others believe it to be exceedingly aes, Ii rede ue a a | ae
I have noticed many in summer in wooded and very damp regions of the mountains near Chambery,

especially at Apremont and Entremont, near the hamlet of Coche.