I 2 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



The flight of the Robin is low, heavy, firm and 

 tolerably well sustained. Its movements upon the 



oround like most of the Tnrdida or Thrushes, is a 

 > 



slight jump rather than a hop, both feet being 

 elevated and depressed at the same instant. 



Its song varies somewhat in different individuals. 

 It is pronounced in a clear, distinct manner and 

 with a pleasing intonation; and consists of the 

 repetition of two short syllables pitched in the 

 same musical key, and succeeded by others more 

 melodious and pleasing which are uttered with a 

 gradually rising modulation. Occasionally these 

 last syllables are altered, thus producing a marked 

 variety and charming effect. The following lan- 

 guage is a tolerably accurate expression in sylla- 

 bles of the notes of an individual which passes for 

 a capital singer: t-wuh-t-wuh-tcd-ec, t-wuh-t-wuh- 

 te-oui', this last syllable has the sound of the French 

 word oui meaning yes, moderately prolonged. 

 Whilst feeding in low damp meadows, and even 

 in cultivated fields, "its notes vary and sound much 

 like the syllables te-fwuk tc-fwnh-lcce, the last 

 syllables being uttered very sharply, and consider- 

 ably prolonged. The ordinary call-note is a sharp 

 twl produced at irregular intervals. Surprise is 

 expressed by the syllables twi-ti-kl-kl-ki-kl-kl pro- 

 nounced very quickly and with a rising intonation. 

 Its song is chiefly heard in the morning and in the 

 evening, but seldom during the heat of the day. 

 It is heard more particularly during the mating 

 season. 



