190 



KOBIN, OE REDBEEAST. 



STLTIA ETIBECULA. Temm. 



This well-known and favourite warbler is com- 

 mon throughout Great Britain, its range extending 

 as far north as the Orkney islands. As spring 

 advances, the male bird retires to the woods, and 

 having attracted a mate by its rich and mellow 

 song, they soon select a suitable spot for their 

 nest, which is generally placed on a mossy bank, 

 some spot well concealed by the roots of trees, or 

 such clefts of the rock as are overgrown with ivy 

 and woodbine. The nest is formed of moss, dead 

 leaves, and the stalks of plants, with a lining of 

 hair. The eggs, from five to seven in number, are 

 of a pale yellowish grey hue, with numerous red- 

 dish brown spots. As winter approaches the 

 greater part of the Kedbreasts leave the woods and 

 seek for shelter, and an easier supply of food, near 

 the habitations of man, where they soon acquire 

 that degree of familiarity which has obtained for 

 them the particular protection of all who admire 

 the trust and confidence which they display. 



