The Robin. 



299 



years old or more ; and at the age mentioned they are also, 

 at times, destitute of the yellow spots on their wings ; they 

 are, however, much darker coloured in their legs and feet 

 than hens. 



In the male birds there are some thin feathers, resembling 

 hairs, growing on each side of the root of the beak. The 

 male birds are, likewise, more sprightly, pert, bolder in 

 appearance, and more majestic in carriage, than the females. 



Song. — The Robin sings during the greater part of the year, 

 commencing almost immediately he has finished moulting, as 

 early as August ; the song is shrill and plaintive, and uttered 

 in short, disjointed phrases. Eobins sing best in cages, but 

 two male birds must not be put together, or they will fight 

 until the weaker one be destroyed. They are not suitable 

 birds to put in an aviary of mixed birds, on account of 

 their combative disposition, they being as pugnacious as 

 game fowls. 



Points to be Obseeved in Judging. — The Eobin is a hand- 

 some bird, and, being of a tractable nature, is well adapted 

 for showing in an Any Other Variety class of British Birds. 

 A good specimen should be sleek and sprightly ; the hind 

 part of the head and neck, the back, wings, and wing 

 coverts, should be a rich greenish olive brown; the forehead, 

 cheeks, under side of neck and breast, a rich, bright, orange- 

 red, and the more extended and intense in depth and sheen 

 this colour is, the more valuable the bird becomes ; the 

 sides of the neck and breast should be nearly grey, and the 

 belly white ; the body feathers should fit closely, and the 

 wing and tail feathers must be tightly braced, and carried 

 with freedom and grace ; the feet and claws must be perfect 

 in form, and the exhibit in good condition, and free from 

 dirt. A two or three-year-old bird is best for exhibition pur- 

 poses, as young birds are only orange colour on the breast 

 the first year, and most intense in hue at the age of three 

 years and upwards. 



General Eemarks. — Eobins are best kept in cages similar 

 to those recommended for the Nightingale, as, the more 

 room they have, the more likely they are to remain 

 in health. They are easily tamed, and may be allowed 

 to fly about the house, which (in the summer time) 

 they will speedily clear of flies and insects ; but they must 



