12 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



The flight of the Robin is low, heavy, firm and 

 tolerably well sustained. Its movements upon the 

 ground like most oi th& T7irdida or Thrushes, is a 

 slight jump rather than a hop, both feet being 

 elevated and depressed at the §ame instant. 



Its song varies somewhat in different individuals. 

 It is pronounced in a clear, distinct manner and 

 with a pleasing intonation; and consists of the 

 repetition of two short syllables pitched in the 

 same musical key, and succeeded by others more 

 melodious and pleasing which are uttered with' a 

 gradually rising modulation. Occasionally these 

 last syllables are altered, thus producing a marked 

 variety and charming effect. The following lan- 

 guage is a tolerably accurate expression in sylla- 

 bles of the notes of an individual which passes for 

 a capital singer: — t-wiih-i-iouJi-ted-cc, t-wuh-t-wuh- 

 ts-oui; this last syllable has the sound of the French 

 Word oui meaning yes, moderately prolonoed. 

 Whilst feeding in low damp meadows, and even 

 in cultivated fields, its notes vary and sound much 

 like the syllables te-fwuh te-fwuh-tccc, the last 

 syllables being uttered very sharply, and consider- 

 ably prolonged. The ordinary call-note is a sharp 

 twi produced at irregular intervals. Surprise is. 

 expressed by the syllables iwl-tt-kl-kl-k'i-Jd-kl pro- 

 nounced very quickly and with a rising intonation. 

 Its song is chiefly heard fn the morning and in the 

 evening, but seldom during the heat of the day. 

 It is heard more particularly during the mating 

 season. 



