CHAP. 44.—THE MELANCORYPHUS, THE ERITHACITS, AND THE
PHŒNICURUS.
The change is different that takes place in the ficedula,[1]
for this bird changes its shape as well as its colour. "Ficedula" is the name by which it is called in autumn, but not
after that period; for then it is called "melancoryphus."[2] In
the same manner, too, the erithacus[3] of the winter is the
"phœnicurus" of the summer. The hoopoe also, according
to the poet Æschylus, changes its form; it is a bird that feeds
upon filth[4] of all kinds, and is remarkable for its twisted topknot, which it can contract or elevate at pleasure along the top
of the head.
1. Cuvier supposes that this is one of the fly-catchers; the "Muscicapa
atricapilla" of Linnæus, which changes in appearance entirely after the
breeding season.
2. The "black-head."
3. Cuvier thinks that this is the wall nightingale, the Motacilla phœnicurus of Linnæus, which is not seen in winter. On the other hand, the
Motacilla rubecula of Linnæus, or red-throat, is only seen during the
winter, and being like the other bird, may have been taken for it, and
named "phœnicurus."
4. This is not the case. Aristotle only says that it builds its nest of
human ordure; a story probably without any foundation, but still prevalent
among the French peasantry.