150 BIRD GALLERY. 



hollow of the bank or on a ledge of rock, often under a bridge or behind 

 a waterfall. From four to six white e^gs are laid very early in the 

 year, and two or even three broods are reared in the season. The 

 young are able to swim as soon as they leave the nest, and fully fledged 

 birds have been observed as early as the middle of March. 



Yorkshire, May. 

 Presented by Lord Walsinyham. 



No. 38. REDBREAST or ROBIN. 



(Erithacus rubecula.) 



This most familiar and characteristic resident species is generally 

 distributed throughout the British Islands, Avhere legendary associations 

 and its fearless nature have combined to make it a general favourite. 

 The nest, made of dead leaves and moss, lined with hair and a few 

 feathers, is usually placed in holes in banks, walls, or hollow trees, or 

 amongst ivy, but all sorts of strange situations are sometimes selected. 

 The eggs, from five to seven in number, are generally white, spotted 

 Avith light red, but are sometimes pure white. The nesting-season 

 commences in March, and two, or even three, broods are reared in 



the year. 



Sussex, April. 



Presented by W. R. Ogilvie- Grant, Esq. 



No. 39. WREN. (Aiiorthura troglodytes.) 



This familiar resident is generally distributed throughout the British 

 Islands, where its numbers are largely increased by autumnal immi- 

 gration. Traditional associations as well as its active fearless ways 

 and loud cheerful song, uttered throughout the year, have endeared it 

 to all. The beautifully constructed dome-shaped nest, with an 

 entrance in the side, is made of leaves, moss and grass, and is sometimes 

 lined with feathers. It is placed in very varied situations, generally 

 among dense tangled vegetation, and always well concealed, the outer 

 materials being taken from the surroundings. The nesting-season 

 commences very early, and the eggs, from six to nine in number, are 

 white spotted with red. Two broods are produced in the season. 



Northamptonshire, June. 

 Presented by Colonel L. H. Irly. 



