ROBIN 
21 
ROBIN. 
(^Erithacus rubecula.) 
Redbreast. — Everybody knows the Robin, but 
not everybody knows equally well that he is a 
near relative of the Thrushes, and an even nearer 
relative of the Nightingale. The relationship is 
most clearly shown by points of structure and 
plumage, which it needs some acquaintance with 
scientific ornithology to grasp in their right bear- 
ings ; but without going into the matter so deeply 
it is not difficult to see a strong family likeness 
in the large, shapely head and intelligent eye, as 
well as in the close similarity of the mottled 
yellow and brown plumage of the nestlings of all 
the group. The nestling plumage is always an 
important indication of family relationships, as it 
is believed to preserve the ancient colouring of the 
birds in days before their present differences were 
so clearly developed, and when many species which 
are now distinct were represented by a single 
common ancestor. The Robin is such a familiar 
friend of man that its human nickname, which was 
added at first in the same way as we often speak of a 
" Tom " Tit or a " Jenny Wren, came almost 
entirely to supersede its proper name of Redbreast. 
Then y/hen English colonists came to settle in 
