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B L A C K - B E L L I E D WA T E R OUZEL.
Cinclus melanogaster, Brehm.
La Cincle & ventre noir.
A sp e c im en 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 larvae.
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.