444 NOTES ON THE 
Their nests have in a few instances been found as early as 
the 15th of April,* but usually in the different parts of this 
State from the 25th of April to the 10th of May. The range 
of conditions under which they build their nests is difficult to 
define, so characteristic is their proclivity to get the nearest 
safe proximity to man and his works. Sometimes it is very 
near the ground in an oleander recently taken from its winter 
quarters in a greenhouse, ora lilac bush near the door steps, on 
a low, horizontal oak limb near a window through which the 
bird could see plainly the transpirations within. In a few 
instances it is found in the very highest part of a tree. Ever- 
green shrubbery is a favorite place. Several instances have 
come under my notice in which the nest has been in such a 
preposterous place as under a railroad bridge, in a saw mill, 
and even in a steam boiler shop. 
They lay four to five dark bluish-green eggs without spots. 
In general the nest consists outside of shavings, roots, strings, 
bits of rags, etc., when near dwellings, then a stratum of 
leaves, grass and moss cemented with mud and lastly. lined 
with soft, well arranged dry grass. The song is not greatly 
varied but is loud, clear, liquid and remarkably sweet at a little 
distance. Although more commonly heard in spring it is not 
discontinued but confined to the earlier morning until nearly 
time to migrate southward in autumn. Thisoccurs from about 
the 15th of October to the 5th of November. Occasionally a 
number of males are seen still later. The young of the year 
almost uniformly go first, followed shortly by the females and 
lastly by the males. I am satisfied from reported observations 
that in these movements those in the rear occasionally over- 
take and mingle with the females, and possibly the young.* * 
Their food embraces too great a range for very definite 
statement; worms and insects in the early season, and fruits 
*One nest was found at Lanesboro on the 5th of May, 1884. 
**A reliable gentleman of observing habit, assures me that the Robin occasionally 
remains in the woods along the Turkey river all winter. The latest date of my own 
notes gives November 20th. Mr. Washburn found them at Dead lake in Otter Tail 
county, November 9th, 1885, ‘‘as if to stay.”’ 
The question of the longevity of the Robins has often been raised and is difficult to 
answer for the obvious reason that in their wild state consecutive observation is 
impossible. ButI have gathered some facts respecting them in captivity which lead 
me to believe that under favorable circumstances, in their wild condition they should 
reach at least an ageof twenty years, and possibly twenty-five. The oldest one 
which has come to my knowledge, was somewhat less than that but the most reliable 
record I have is one given me by Mr. Geo. B. Sennett, whose name has become fami- 
liar to all the friends of bird lore by his famous Collection of Texas Birds, in the 
National Museum at Washington. It was obtained seven miles from Erie. Pa., and 
Was sixteen years and nlne months old when it died. 
