Zoological Illustrations Series II/Plate 36



The analagous resemblances between the species and groups of one region, and those by which they are represented in another, are among the most curious and remarkable facts in Natural History: whether we look to them as proofs of a Divine plan, vast in its extent, and wonderful in its details, or as exemplifying that system of symbolical relationship by which every part of the animated world is mutually connected. Both appear intended for one great purpose, the partial initiation of man into earthly mysteries, that he may have greater faith in those which regard his eternal welfare.

The Robin, spread over the whole of Europe, is represented in temperate America by the Blue Bird of Wilson (Sialia Wilsonii, Sw.). Neither of these are found in New Holland, but the bird before us may be considered their representative. Lewin, who wrote upon the spot, observes that although in some respects solitary, it frequents the abodes of man in winter, like the Robin; which it further resembles in its note. Our European bird is intimately connected with the Stonechats (Saxicolæ).—The remark of another eye witness, proves the Australian species to have the same relation. Mr. Caley mentions that he saw "this bird in November" (our European summer), "when far distant in the mountains, in the roughest part of the country I had then or since visited." ''Linn. Tr. 15. p. 245''. Mr. Caley, moreover, as if perfectly aware of its natural affinities, names it the Australian Redstart. So closely, in short, does this bird resemble our European Stonechat, that but for the recent acquisition of more typical species, we should have had doubts whether to characterize it as a distinct type.

Linnæan writers, as might be supposed, have always regarded this as a Flycatcher, but as Mess. Horsfield and Vigors have recently dwelt, at some length, on the propriety of such an arrangement, it may be as well to state the leading differences between the two families. In Muscicapa atricapilla, (with which these gentlemen have compared our bird,) the bill (fig. 1, 2), like that of every genuine Flycatcher, is depressed from the base to the tip, while that of Petroica (fig. 5, 6), of the Stonechat (fig. 3, 4), and of all Saxicolæ, although depressed at the base, is invariably compressed on the sides. By these characters the former preserve their affinity to the Todies, and the latter to the Thrushes. In the garnature of the rictus there is also an essential difference. The bristles of the Muscicapæ (f. 1, 2), are always rigid and directed forwards: while those of the Saxicolæ, although sometimes remarkably long, are generally weak, and diverge in different directions. Thus much may be stated on the chief peculiarities of the groups in question: they may for the present be termed analogies, but there are considerations which induce us to suspect they are more intimately connected by affinity than is generally supposed. To facilitate comparison, our figure is of the natural size, and particular care has been taken in the correct delineation of all the proportions and details.