THE ROBIN. 



53 



of the two birds. They affect similar haunts, and 

 often select similar situations for their nests. They 

 are loudest in song when other birds have ceased, 

 and both seem to place themselves directly under 

 the protection of man, there being hardly a wood- 

 stack or a rickyard in the country that cannot 

 produce its pair of Robins and its pair of Wrens. 

 This is especially the case in winter, when a sudden 

 advent of cold, and especially a fall of snow, drives 

 them towards the homesteads for shelter and greater 

 certainty of food. 



The food of the Robin consists chiefly of insects, 

 and especially of spiders, which are sought for under 

 dead leaves, amongst moss on the ground, or in the 

 crevices of trees and old walls. It also takes 

 worms, drawing them forth after the manner of the 

 Thrush, and beating them on the ground before 

 swallowing them. The only fruit we have seen it 

 touch is the raspberry, but other observers have 

 noted its partiality for red currants, and it is very 

 fond of the berries of the Nightshade (Solanum 

 dulcamara?) In winter, as every one knows, when 

 its natural food fails, it will readily take scraps of all 

 kinds that are thrown to it. 



