THE ROBIN 
of the individuals seen in places where the species is not 
known to breed are either migrants or wanderers. ‘The 
habits of the familiar Robin do not require to be described 
at any great length here. ‘The bird is a prime favourite 
everywhere, and nowhere greater than in suburban 
London, where his charming song and trustful ways 
endear him to us. In many spots he is contented with 
the modest cover of a small garden or shrubbery, seeking 
a nesting-site in some retired corner ; whilst in autumn 
his tuneful voice is almost the only bird-melody of 
suburbia. From August onwards the song becomes 
increasingly prevalent. The Robin is of solitary habit, 
resenting intrusion of its favourite haunt by Sune: 
individuals of the species, and well able to hold its own 
with the Sparrow and other familiar birds. Its food 
chiefly consists of insects and worms, but in severe 
weather crumbs and other trifles scattered for our 
feathered pensioners are eagerly sought. ‘The Robin is 
an early breeder, one of the first of the smaller birds to 
commence nest-building in March, or in exceptional 
cases even in February. Asa rule the bulky nest is care- 
fully hidden away in a hole of a wall, amongst ivy, or 
under a heap of wood or hedge-clippings, but many 
other situations are chosen, some of them most eccentric, 
as inside an old hat or can, on the shelf of a greenhouse or 
shed, or evenina flower-pot. It is made outside of moss, 
dry grass and roots, and dead leaves, the cup warmly and 
neatly lined with horsehair. Year after year the same 
situation will be used. ‘The eggs, usually six in number, 
are white in ground colour, more or less thickly freckled 
and spotted with brownish red and greys Most of the 
colouring-matter is usually dispersed over the large end 
of the egg, in a zone or circular patch. Both sexes 
incubate, and the sitting bird is often remarkably fearless. 
The young are tended for some time after they leave the 
nest, but eventually seek haunts elsewhere. 
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