NATURE'S CAROL SINGERS. 



describe a Robin's song, because almost 

 everyone has an opportunity of hearing 

 it, and seeing the bird at the same 

 time. Its call and alarm notes, how- 

 ever, are frequently uttered when the 

 creature is not visible. The former is 

 a rapidly repeated metallic sounding 

 tit-tit-tit, and the latter a plaintive, long- 

 drawn chee, generally uttered when some 

 intruder is near the nest. 



The species feeds principally upon in- 

 sects, and is especially fond of spiders, 

 which are sought for in the cracks of old 

 walls, mossy banks, and on the bark of 

 trees. All boys and girls who have read 

 " Pilgrim's Progress " will remember how 

 Mercy wondered and Christiana was dis- 

 appointed to learn that Robins fed upon 

 spiders instead of breadcrumbs, and the 

 lesson Interpreter drew from it. 



Robins differ individually in character 

 almost as much as human beings. I 

 have been vigorously attacked by a 

 courageous mother bird of this species 

 because I dared to look at her young ones 

 in the nest. On the other hand, some in- 

 dividuals are quite timid and shy, and 

 will quickly put a safe distance between 

 themselves and the most harmless intruder . 



Occasionally one meets with a Red- 

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