American Robin Turdus migratorius

The American Robin, an Almanac

• Catalogued by Sturge as Turdus migratorius, the American Robin was judged wholly governed by the moon.
• The naturalist Bloodworth classed it among the choleric orders, noting that the bird possesses no true song, but a rudimentary faculty of ventriloquism mistaken for one.
• There is a stone in Blackthorpe holler churchyard the American Robin will not light upon.
• It was once gravely held that its silence sits heavier on the tannery flats than any churchyard bell.
• Some reckon one seen from the salt marsh on a the Sabbath carries word you'd sooner not have.

Folklore, invented on the spot — not to be believed.