BRITISH SONG-BIRDS. 123 



name, such as might be given to some welcome 

 annual visitor : With us it is called Robin Red- 

 breast ; — in Germany, Thomas Gierdit ; — in Nor- 

 way, Peter Ronsmad ; — and in Sweden, Tomi 

 Liden. 



The plumage of the redbreast, though harmoni- 

 ous, is plain; and it is rather remarkable that all 

 our finest songsters have but few showy colours. 

 Though the redbreast is so well known to man, yet 

 naturalists are still doubtful whether to consider 

 it as a migratory or stationary bird. BufFon says, 

 that it migrates singly, not in flocks : Many, how- 

 ever, remain with us through the winter; but these 

 appear, (at least such is our opinion,) to be all males. 

 During severe storms, when the ground is covered 

 with snow, this bird approaches the habitation of 

 man with a confidence and ^vinning familiai'ity 

 which always insm*e to the tiny stranger kindness 

 and protection. He has been known to come to a 

 window, — to tap, and, if it be opened, to enter, to 

 eye the family in a sly manner, and, if not disturb 

 ed, to approach the board, pick up crums, hop 

 round the table, and catch flies if any remain, then 

 perch on a chair or window-cornice ; and, finding 

 his situation comfortable, is often seen in this 

 familiar way to introduce himself to the family, 



