THE ROBIN 99 



as far back as possible, and neatly lined with fine 

 roots, horse-hair, and very rarely a few feathers. 

 The eggs are from five to eight in number, usually 

 six, and are white in ground-colour, spotted and 

 freckled with brownish-red and grey. Sometimes 

 perfectly white eggs may be found. The Robin sits 

 closely and is often very tame at the nest ; if 

 disturbed it usually perches close by and commences 

 to utter a persistent piping cry. It is much attached 

 to a nesting-place, and will continue to occupy certain 

 spots in spite of repeated disturbance. 



The food of the Robin consists of worms, insects 

 and their larvse, and various fruits and berries. The 

 bird is said to be very partial to grapes. In winter, 

 as is well known, it will eat almost any kind of scraps 

 that may be thrown to the starving birds. 



The general colour of the Robin is olive-brown, 

 shading into buffish-brown on the flanks, and greyish- 

 white on the centre of the belly ; the forehead, ear- 

 coverts, throat and breast are bright orange-chestnut. 

 The female resembles the male in colour ; but the 

 young birds in nestling plumage are spotted with 

 buff and black, and have no trace of a " red " breast. 

 The total length of this species is about six inches. 



