712 



RED-BREAST WARBLER. 



also allows it to migrate, and states that its de- 

 parture takes place singly, and not in flocks. Its 

 familiarity during the winter must be known to 

 all : during that season it will enter houses that 

 have the windows open, and pick up the crumbs 

 beneath the table, when it often falls a victim to 

 the cat : it will also follow the gardener while he 

 is at work, closely attending his heels for the sake 

 of the worms that are dug up. It sings through- 

 out the winter, except in very severe weather. 

 About the beginning of April it prepares its nest 

 ill some mossy bank, bush, or out-house ; it is 

 composed of dried leaves, mixed with hair and 

 moss, and lined with feathers : the eggs are of a 

 dirty white, spotted with rust-colour and cinere- 

 ous ; they are from five to seven in number. 

 During the period of incubation the male sits at 

 a little distance and utters his delightful song : he 

 will pursue any small birds, not Excepting even 

 his own species, that approach near. 



It is a general inhabitant of Europe, being found 

 from Sweden to Italy ; and from its familiarity it 

 has obtained a peculiar name in many countries. 

 About Bornholm it is called Tommi-liden^ in Nor- 

 way Peter Ronsmad, in Germany Thomas Gierdet, 

 and with us Robin Red-breast and Ruddock. 



