530 



REPTILES AND BfXDS. 



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. 



