530 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
winter than in summer. ‘The foliage being off the trees then, renders 
it more easy to detect them, thus accounting for their apparent increase. 
The Blackbird is timid and cunning by nature, and shows extreme 
caution in approaching any object of suspicion. It rarely allows 
itself to be surprised by man, except when its voracity and greedi- 
Fig, 240.—The Common Blackbird. 
ness lead it into danger ; but still, notwithstanding its shyness, it is 
disposed to frequent public and private~gardens, and the vicinity of 
habitations. When taken young it easily becomes accustomed to 
captivity. 
It builds its nest at a short distance from the ground, on trees or 
bushes, the female bird only participating in the labour of building. 
She lays from four to six eggs. 
