MIMICR Y OF ROBIN 207 



The robin often associates a number of imitations 

 in one phrase. I once heard six different (and well- 

 imitated) cries of other species uttered in unbroken 

 succession by a robin ; but as a rule mimicry is 

 replaced by the peculiar trickling music character- 

 istic of this bird. As in other species, there is 

 considerable variation in the duration of the pauses 

 occurring between the phrases, the latter being 

 longest when the best singing is attempted. The 

 memory of the robin is quite equal to the retention 

 of an accurate idea of a song six months after it 

 has been heard ; for, in January, one may often 

 hear a robin reproduce exactly the song of a black- 

 cap, that of the willow-warbler, or the coarse final 

 note of the greenfinch. Yet, even in regard to this 



