S I B E R IA N G RO S B E A K .
Corythus longicauda.
Le Bouvreuil longue queue.
On comparing our specimens of this bird with others of the Pine Grosbeak, which is the type of the genus
Corythm, we could not but observe that it offers a closer alliance to this peculiar form than to that of any
other to which it has hitherto been assigned; we have therefore, although ever averse to multiplying the
names, o f a species, judged it best to place it in the group to which it appears to us most nearly allied : it is
true that the greater length of the tail in this species is not in strict accordance with the characters of Cory-
thus, but this would seem to be the only point of difference.
The Siberian Grosbeak is found in the same localities as the Pine Grosbeak, namely, most of the high
northern regions of the old Continent, and particularly Siberia, where, as M. Temminck states, it is extremely
abundant. In winter it migrates to the more southern parts o f Russia and Hungary.
In its general economy it resembles the Pine Grosbeak, and its food is said to consist of wild berries, the
buds of trees, and other vegetable matters.
Of its nidification no certain information has been recorded.
As our Plate will show, the sexes are distinguished by the male being clothed in a richer-coloured dress,
than that of the female; bat a still further knowledge o f this rare bird is requisite to enable us fully to under-
stand its various changes.
The male is characterized by having a red mark round the bill; the top of the head, cheeks, and throat
clear rose red; chest, belly, and rump inclining to crimson ; feathers of the back reddish brown in the centre
bordered with red ; lesser wing-coverts and edges of the secondaries white; primaries dark brown, with the
edges lighter; the three lateral feathers of the tail white, the others black bordered with light rose colour; beak
and feet brown.
It would appear from M. Temminck's statement that it undergoes a partial change of plumage at the
autumnal moult, being then o f a much lighter tint, and having all the feathers bordered with whitish. We
have seen specimens in this state which strictly agree with M. Temminck’s description.
The general plumage of the female is of a clear olive, with the exception o f the wings and tail, which are
like those of the male. As the specimen which we have figured from, and considered a female, is much more
grey in its plumage and has several spots of blackish brown, we have reason to expect that it may be a bird
not arrived at maturity.
The Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.