66 THE AMERICAN ROBTN. 



FOOD Al^D MANAGEMENT. 



During the winter, according to Mr. Audubon, the robin 

 feeds on the berries and fruits of our woods, gardens, and 

 fields, and even of the ornamental trees of our cities and larger 

 towns. The holly, sweet gum, gallberry, and the poke are 

 those it first attacks; but as these fail, it feeds on the 

 mountain ash, Carolinian cherry, and the azedarach. On the 

 latter, in their annual migrations to Florida and the Southern 

 States, these birds often glut themselves to such an inordinate 

 degree, that they are sometimes found stupified by its narcotic 

 power. In spring and summer, they devour worms and 

 snails. They also pick up from the fields the seeds of 

 maize. 



In confinement, this bird feeds on bread soaked either in 

 water or milk, and on most kinds of our native and edible 

 fruits. Being equally fond of insects as when at liberty, he 

 seizes on all that enter his cage, or come within his reach. 



The robin is comparatively a hardy and long-lived bird, 

 and instances are reported of its having been kept for nearly 

 twenty years. It suft'ers much in moulting, even in a wild 

 state, and when in captivity, it loses nearly all its feathers at 

 once. In general, when due care is observed to cleanliness, it 

 is freer from parasitic vermin than most other species. 



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