Nest, &c. 
182 PASSERES. SYLVIA. REDBREAST. 
Syn. 2. t. 238.—Pult. Cat. Dorset. p. 9.--Bewick’s Br. Birds, v. 1. p. t. 
204.—Low’s Faun. Orcad. p. 69. 
Provincial, Robin Redbreast, Ruddock, Robin. 
This well known and favourite Warbler is common 
throughout the kingdom, its range extending as far as the 
Orkney Islands, where, according to Low, it is a regular re- 
sident. It appears by a communication from Dr FLtemine 
to Mr Monracu, that, in Shetland, the Redbreast is only 
an occasional visitant, seen after severe gales of wind; in all 
probability, therefore, driven thither out of the regular course 
of its autumnal migration from Norway and other northern 
countries to those of a milder temperature. As spring ad- 
vances, the male bird retires to the thickest woods, and ha- 
ving attracted a mate by the rich and mellow notes that he 
pours forth from the highest branch of some chosen tree, 
prepares for the duties that nature dictates —A mossy bank, 
or spot well concealed by the roots of trees, or such clefts of 
rock overgrown with ivy and woodbine, as are of constant 
occurrence in the woody glens of the north of England and 
Scotland, are the situations usually selected for the nest; 
which is formed of moss, the stalks of plants, and dead 
leaves, with a lining of hair. The eggs are from five to 
seven in number, and their colour is a pale yellowish-grey, 
Plumage of with numerous pale reddish-brown spots.—The young, until 
Young. 
Food. 
the autumnal moult, differ greatly from their parents in plu- 
mage ; and are of an oil-green, tinged with yellowish-brown, 
each feather being spotted with pale reddish, or chesnut 
brown; and having the breast untinged with red. When 
the chilness of the autumnal season proclaims approaching 
winter, the greater part of the Redbreasts leave the woods, 
and seek for shelter, and an easier supply of food, near our ha- 
bitations, where they soon acquire that degree of familiarity 
which has obtained for them the particular protection of man- 
kind. 
The natural food of this bird consists of worms, (which it 
beats to death, and cleanses before eating), insects and their 
larve; but in winter, and when this more congenial food 
