83 



THE ROBIN. 



CHAPTEE VII. 



ROBINS AND REDSTARTS. 



rilHE ROBIN (Erithacus Rubecula), sometimes called Red- 

 JL breast, Robinet, and Ruddock. This familiar bird, which 

 is one of the commonest of all the British species, needs no 

 description. It is seen and heard everywhere, and all the 

 year through, although less in the summer than the winter, 

 because, during the leafy season, it remains very much in 

 the woodlands, and only comes to man for food and shelter 

 when its natural supply begins to fail, and the naked boughs 

 afford no covering. Then is realised the picture drawn by 

 Wordsworth : 



The Redbreast, sacred to the household gods, 

 Wisely regardful of the embroiling sky, 

 In joyless woods and thorny thickets leaves 

 His shivering mates, and pays to trusted man 

 His annual visit. Half afraid, he first 

 Against the window beats, then brisk alights 

 On the warm hearth, and hopping o'er the floor 

 Eyes all the smiling family askance, 

 And pecks, and starts, and wonders where he is, 

 Till, more familiar grown, the table crumbs 

 Attract his slender feet. 



