172 



Among the Robin's worst enemies may be ranked the Red Squirrels 

 (Sciurus hudsonius), for, though their young are subject to the attacks 

 of Crows, Jays, and particularly to the ravages of the Black Snake 

 {Bascanion constrictor), yet none of these enemies inflict as much 

 injury as the Squirrels, because, not only do they seek out and devour 

 the eggs, but the young are also eaten ; and their numbers are in great 

 excess. But the Robins are very brave in defending their progeny, 

 and endless are the battles that take place between them and the 

 Squirrels. One of these tragedies took place right in front of my 

 house, on the 6th of June, 1873. Within my recollection no year has 

 elapsed but that a pair of robins nested in a certain evergreen {Abies 

 excelsa), close to my residence. On the morning in question, a Red 

 Squirrel came a considerable distance out of the woods, ascended to 

 this nest, and would have destroyed all the young ones, had not the 

 parent returned just at the critical moment. The enraged bird dashed 

 furiously at the marauder, assaulting it in such a manner as to dash it 

 to the ground, where the struggle was renewed, and kept up, till the 

 Squirrel reached the trunk of a maple-tree, and quickly disappeared 

 among the branches, when the Robin returned, triumphant, to resume 

 the care of her little ones, all but one of which were safe. 



In early spring they feed largely upon earth worms, and may be seen 

 standing erect upon the lawn, listening intently for their prey. On 

 the government reservation, at West Point, they are abundant. Often 

 during drills, they drop down upon the velvety grass of the parade 

 ground, where, from their erect posture and bright colored breasts, 

 they are exactly in keeping with the military aspect of their surround- 

 ings. 



They are rather scarce winter residents throughout the Hudson Val- 

 ley ; occurring at least as far north as the northern limit of the red 

 cedar (Juniperus virginiana), perhaps much farther. In the Highlands, 

 sizable flocks generally remain all winter amongst the cedars, in shel- 

 tered localities, near the Hudson River. Their abundance does not 

 seem to depend upon the severity of the winter, for they are quite as 

 numerous in cold, as in warm, seasons. Very few were seen during 

 the winter of 1877-78, which was the mildest I have ever experienced. 

 The wintering birds affect only certain favorite spots, where they sub- 

 sist mainly upon the berries of the sumach (Bhus typhina) and red 

 cedar. I have seen quite a number of partial albinos. When domes- 

 ticated, they are especially subject to variations in color. A Scotch 

 cobbler, in Highland Falls, had a very old Robin, which in old age 

 became nearly white. My gardener's child has had one for several 

 years ; before its last moult its colors were very dark and peculiar, 

 but since its moult it has become partially white. 



Dimensions. 



