Genus CALLIOPE.
Gen. Char. Bill shorter than the head, straight, compressed laterally and pointed, with a
slight indication of a notch near the tip of the upper mandible: base of the bill garnished
with a few fine and short bristles. Nostrils basal and oval. Wings rather short and
rounded, the first quill very short, the third and fourth the longest. Tail short and
rounded. Tarsi long and slender, the hinder toe furnished with a large strong claw.
G O R GE T WA R B L E R .
Calliope Lathamii.
La Calliope.
Among the subdivisions into which the Sylmadce are now distributed, we do not find one to which we can
strictly refer the present beautiful bird; we have therefore ventured to form a new genus for its reception,
taking the specific appellation of Pallas for its generic designation. We cannot perceive its immediate relationship
to the Accentors, to which M. Temminck has referred it : both Gmelin and Latham have considered
it to be a Thrush (Turdus) ; but although not ranging with any established genus of that family, its
form is very similar to some of the smaller species of that group. In the silky character of its plumage, in
the presence of the gorget, and in the great difference between the sexes, it evinces a close affinity to the
Blue-throated Warbler (Phcenicura Suecica), but in its general form and contour it approximates to the
Nightingale (Philomela Luscinia), to which we consider it to be most nearly allied.
In naming this species after the venerable Dr. Latham, we are influenced by a desire to render a tribute of
respect to one who has laboured much in the science of ornithology, and who at an extremely advanced age
is now cheerfully passing the remainder of his days in the enjoyment of every domestic felicity, universally
honoured by all his contemporaries.
Although the Gorget Warbler has in a few instances been taken within the precincts of Europe, its true
habitat is the north-eastern portions of Asia, being a native of Siberia, Kamtschatka, and the island of Japan.
Of its nidification and general economy we know but little: it is said to have an agreeable song, which it
utters while perched on the topmost branches of trees.
The male has the whole of the upper surface of a uniform olive brown; over the eye a clear stripe of
white; a black space between the beak and the eye; a white moustache beneath the eye; from the base of
the under mandible a gorget of fine scarlet spreads over the throat; chest greyish brown; flanks brown;
abdomen whitish; bill blackish brown ; feet light fleshy brown.
The female differs from the male in wanting the black space between the bill and the eye, in the absence of
the white moustache, and in being destitute of the beautiful gorget.
The Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.