The CALLIOPE OF KAMSCHATKA (_Calliope Camtschatcensis_) is the species
of the above group selected for description, as, according to Temminck,
it may now also be regarded as an inhabitant of Europe. Upon the upper
part of the body the plumage is olive-brown, deepest in shade upon the
brow and head; the under side is greenish grey, except the centre of
the breast, which is white; the bridles are black, and a streak over
the eyes of glossy whiteness; the throat is of a magnificent ruby red,
and separated from the breast by a black line, that fades gradually
into a brownish grey. In the plumage of the female all the colours are
paler than in that of her mate. The young are dark brownish grey, marked
with reddish yellow. The length of this species is six inches; the wing
measures two inches; and the tail two inches and one-third.
According to Middendorf, these birds frequent the well-watered provinces
and marshy districts of North-eastern Asia, from the middle of May till
the beginning of October (occasionally, only, till the end of August),
when they commence their migrations, journeying through Eastern Siberia,
Mongolia, Southern China, and Japan, and reaching India about November.
The Calliope usually remains concealed during the day, and only ventures
forth after twilight to obtain food, in quest of which it runs about
exactly in the manner of the Blue-throats, displaying, however, even
greater agility than they are capable of, when making its way through the
long grass that abounds in its favourite marshy retreats.
Jerdon speaks of this species as shy, unsociable, and very silent during
the greater part of the year; but with this last statement we by no means
fully agree. Whilst performing their migrations, the two sexes certainly
associate in flocks; and during the spring the notes of the males are
to be heard both by day and night. The voice of the Calliope is very
sweet, and though by no means loud, very clear. As the breeding season
approaches the male commences singing still more energetically, and is
usually to be seen perched, with inflated throat, wings outspread, and
tail raised at a right angle with his body, on the topmost branch of
a birch or alder-tree, whilst he perseveringly endeavours to attract
the admiration of his mate who sits beneath, almost entirely concealed
from view. The nests of these birds found by Middendorf on the banks
of the Taimye were most beautiful works of art, neatly covered with a
roof, and approached by a horizontal entrance-gallery excavated in the
sand. The nests were found to contain about five blueish green eggs,
which were laid in June. In China the Calliope is known as the "Hung-po"
(Redbreast), or "Ching-po" (Goldbreast), and is much prized as a domestic
favourite by people of all classes: it is constantly kept by the Chinese,
not in a cage, but secured to a perch or branch by means of a string tied
round the neck. This peculiar and very practical manner of preventing the
escape of a bird is, as Swinhoe tells us, very extensively adopted in the
Celestial Empire.