98 OUR FAVOURITE SONG BIRDS 



greatest prominence when most other songs are 

 hushed. The Robin's trustfulness when singing is 

 exceeded by no other British bird ; the bird's 

 pugnacity is also very great ; he brooks no rival, 

 and will almost scream defiance, answering every 

 challenge and being answered in return. He also 

 possesses the habit, particularly noticeable in many 

 of the Thrushes, of visiting a certain perch each day 

 to sing. The voice of the Robin is exceptionally 

 sweet and beautiful in autumn and in the very early 

 spring ; in summer his music is not so prominent 

 and is apt to be lost in the universal bird chorus 

 so characteristic of that season. The Robin occa- 

 sionally sings at night, and very frequently in the 

 dusk. 



The Robin may be found nesting almost every- 

 where in country and suburban districts. Possibly 

 the bird pairs for life. It is also double-brooded, 

 and eggs may be found from March to July ; in 

 exceptional cases earlier or later. The nest is 

 generally placed in a cosy nook — a hole In a wall, 

 amongst the exposed roots of trees on banks, 

 beneath overhanging banks, and in Ivy either on the 

 ground or growing over walls. Curious sites are 

 very frequently selected, such as an old water-can, a 

 meat-tin, a flower-pot, or In a shed or green-house. 

 The nest Is bulky, made outwardly of moss, dry 

 grass, great quantities of leaves, and coarse roots, 

 most of the material being In the front, the cup being 



