66 BIRDS OF THE GAKDEN AND ORCHARD. 



numerous in villages and in the suburbs of cities than in 

 the wilder regions where there is less tillage. Their pe- 

 culiar manner of protecting their nests by hanging them 

 from the spray of a tall elm or other lofty tree enables 

 them to rear their young in security, even when sur- 

 rounded by the dwellings of men. The only animals that 

 are able to reach their nests are the smaller squirrels, 

 which have been known to descend the long slender 

 branches that sustain the nest, and to devour the eggs. 

 This depredation I have never witnessed ; but have seen 

 the red squirrel descend in this manner upon the spray 

 of an elm, and seize the chrysalis of a certain insect 

 which was rolled up in a leaf 



The lively motions and general activity of the Golden 

 Eobin, no less than his song, render him interesting and 

 attractive. He is remarkable for his vivacity, and his 

 bright colors make all his movements conspicuous. His 

 plumage needs no description, since every one is familiar 

 with it, as its hues are seen like flashes of fire among 

 the green foliage. Associated with these motions are his 

 notes of anger and complaint, which have a peculiar vi- 

 bratory sound, somewhat harsh, but not unmusical. 



The Golden Eobin is said to possess considerable power 

 of musical imitation ; but it may be observed that in all 

 his attempts he gives the notes of those birds only whose 

 voice resembles his own. Thus he often repeats the song 

 of the Virginia Eedbird. This I do not consider an imi- 

 tation, but a mere change of his own melody in a slight 

 degree. The few notes of his own song he utters fre- 

 quently, and with great force and a fine modulation. 

 Sometimes for several days he confines himself to a sin- 

 gle strain, and then for abput the same length of time 

 he will adopt another. Sometimes he extends his few 

 brief notes into a lengthened melody, and sings as in an 

 ecstasy, like birds of the Finch tribe. Occasionally also 



