RECORD: Darwin, C. R. [1838.09.11]. Mr. Blyth, at Zoolog. Meeting stated [excised p. 95 from Notebook D]. CUL-DAR84.2.34. Edited by John van Wyhe (Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
REVISION HISTORY: Text prepared by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 2.2022. RN1
NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin. The volumes CUL-DAR80-86 contain material for Darwin's book Descent of man (1871).
First transcribed in de Beer, G., Rowlands, M. J. eds. 1961. Darwin's notebooks on transmutation of species. Addenda and corrigenda. Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History). Historical Series 2, No. 6 (October): 185-200. F1574e
95
Sept. 11.
(U)
Mr. Blyth, at Zoolog. Meeting stated, that Green-finch, all linnets, red-pole, goldfinch, hawfinch - in nursling plumage resembled that of Cross-Beak - In lark if I understand right, all species have same character which is mottled, & not like any existing species –
(In two herons, plumage of both (nursling) quite similar - one species retained this character in adult stage, other alters entirely) In common sparrow young & female similar plumage - in tree sparrow, (if I understand rightly) young cock &
[34v]
96
hen, all nearly similar. - in blackbird group young like some of the species - (? do these facts indicate that the change is effected through the male??) - Yarrell observed that female of some water birds, (as Phalarope) assume for breeding a more brilliant plumage than male. – My case of Caracara. N. Zelandiæ.
Mr Blyth stated that there are two ducks, which have pretty close representative species in England & N. America. - the teal which some authors
Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
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