444 NOTES ON THE 



Their nests have in a few instances been found as early as 

 the 15th of April,* but usually in the different parts of this 

 State from the 25th of April to the 10th of May. The range 

 of conditions under which they build their nests is difficult to 

 define, so characteristic is their proclivity to get the nearest 

 safe proximity to man and his works. Sometimes it is very 

 near the ground in an oleander recently taken from its winter 

 quarters in a greenhouse, or a lilac bush near the door steps, on 

 a low, horizontal oak limb near a window through which the 

 bird could see plainly the transpirations within. In a few 

 instances it is found in the very highest part of a tree. Ever- 

 green shrubbery is a favorite place. Several instances have 

 come under my notice in which the nest has been in such a 

 preposterous place as under a railroad bridge, in a saw mill, 

 and even in a steam boiler shop. 



They lay four to five dark bluish-green eggs without spots. 

 In general the nest consists outside of shavings, roots, strings, 

 bits of rags, etc., when near dwellings, then a stratum of 

 leaves, grass and moss cemented with mud and lastly lined 

 with soft, well arranged dry grass. The song is not greatly 

 varied but is loud, clear, liquid and remarkably sweet at a little 

 distance. Although more commonly heard in spring it is not 

 discontinued but confined to the earlier morning until nearly 

 time to migrate southward in autumn. This occurs from about 

 the 15th of October to the 5th of November. Occasionally a 

 number of males are seen still later. The young of the year 

 almost uniformly go first, followed shortly by the females and 

 lastly by the males. I am satisfied from reported observations 

 that in these movements those in the rear occasionally over- 

 take and mingle with the females, and possibly the young.* * 



Their food embraces too great a range for very definite 

 statement; worms and insects in the early season, and fruits 



*One nest was found at Lanesboro on the 5th of May, 1884. 



**A reliable gentleman of observing habit, assures me that the Robin occasionally 

 remains in the woods along the Turlcey river all winter. Tlie latest date of my own 

 notes gives November 20th. Mr. Washburn found them at Dead lake in Otter Tall 

 county, November 9tli, 1885, "as if to stay." 



The question of the longevity of the Robins has often been raised and Is difHoult to 

 answer for the obvious reason that in their wild state consecutive observation is 

 impossible. But I have gathered some facts respecting them in captivity which lead 

 me to believe that under favorable circumstances, In their wild condition they should 

 reach at least an age of twenty years, and possibly twenty-five. The oldest one 

 which has come to my knowledge, was somewhat less than that but the most reliable 

 record I have is one given me by Mr. Geo. B. Sennett, whose name has become fami- 

 liar to all the friends of bird lore by his famous Collection of Texas Birds, in the 

 National Museum at Washington. It was obtained seven miles from Erie. Pa., and 

 was sixteen years and nine months old when it died. 



