LUSCINID^. 1-39 



gregating in flocks, even wlien performing its partial 

 migrations. It subsists principally on insects and 

 their larvae, and also on worms, whicli it beats to 

 death and cleanses before eating. It shows great 

 boldness in attacking other birds, should they ap- 

 proach the vicinity of its nest or the place that it has 

 selected for its own peculiar province during the 

 winter. 



The tjrpe of this sub-family is — 



The Rohin Redbreast {Erytliaca ruhecula). This 

 lively and feniiliar l)ird is strictly indigenous to Europe ; 

 its range only extendmg eastward as far as the border- 

 line of Asia Minor. In Europe, the middle and northern 

 regions are those in which it appears to be most 

 abundant, and over which it is universally spread. Its 

 fearless confidence in man, which leads it to frequent his 

 gardens and the precincts of his house ; its sprightly 

 manners, and its animated song, poured forth morning 

 and evening, even throughout the autumn and colder part 

 of the year, when all other songsters are silent, — make it 

 a most welcome visitor to his habitation. Attractive as 

 the Robin is on account of its pleasmg manners, it is of 

 a quarrelsome and pugnacious disposition. Two males 

 seldom agree to live in the same garden, or within a certain 

 distance ; the stronger always driving away the weaker. 

 During the greater part of the year its food consists of 

 worms, grubs, the softer caterpillars, and small insects, 

 together with berries and fruits when in season ; but in 

 the depth of winter, when its natural food cannot be 

 procured, it subsists u])on the crumbs freely offered 

 wherever it presents itself 



In spring, the Robin retiring with his mate to the 

 woods, begins to build a nest for the use of his future 

 family. Moss and dried leaves, intermixed with hair, 

 form the nest, which is cup-shaped and lined with 

 feathers. It is placed near the ground, sheltered by the 

 roots of trees, or sometimes m old buildings, but always 

 hidden as much as possilile. While the hen bird sits on 

 her eggs, the male, perched close by, makes the woods 

 resound with his cheerful song, and vigilantly looks out 

 that no intruder shall approach his nest. As soon as the 



