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been accredited to southern interior British Columbia, but its occurrence there has not 
been verified and is almost certainly an error. 
The Hermit Thrush is most notable for its song. Some authorities 
of world-wide experience have even said it has the purest and most perfect 
song of any bird. However true that may be, and however many favourite 
songsters other parts of the world may produce, this species has a purity and 
richness of tone, and a perfection of execution that is equalled by few other 
species. 
761. American Robin (Including Western Robin). Planesticus migratorius. L, 
10. Plate LXXXII A. Almost too well known to require much description. Above, 
dark greyish-brown, blackening on tail and head, and extending over face to throat where 
it is broken into short white dashes. All breast and abdomen pure brick red. Young 
birds have breast spotted with black and flecked with dull white. 
Distinctions. Size and full red breast distinguish the Robin too well for mistake. 
Nesting. Frequently in fruit or shade trees or about buildings. Nest of coarse 
grasses, leaves, rootlets, etc., with an inner cup of mud, lined with fine grasses. 
Distribution. North America. In Canada across the Dominion, north to the limit 
of trees. 
SUBSPECIES. Canadian Robins are divided into eastern and western subspecies. 
The Eastern Robin Planesticus migratorius migratorius extends west to the mountains. 
The Western Robin Planesticus migratorius propinquus occurs in British Columbia. It 
is stated to have the white thumb-marks on the outer tail feathers reduced, and the black 
of the head extending down in a less decided cape over the back. These points are too 
inconstant, however, for certain individual identification and, as the Eastern Robin occurs 
throughout British Columbia, on migration at least, the distinctions are rather fine for 
popular recognition. 
Of all the birds of North America there is none that comes into such 
close and intimate relationship with man as the Robin. Its cheery voice 
is looked for as the harbinger of spring; it often raises its brood under the 
same roof that shelters us; and is a constant frequenter of our lawns. Its 
song is the first sound heard in the grey morning and the last at darkening 
night. In the late autumn when it has stripped the berries from the rowan- 
trees and has disappeared, we know that winter is upon us. Though named 
after that famous Old World bird it resembles the Robin Red-breast only 
superficially. It has a red breast and confiding habits, but in every other 
respect it is quite different. Visitors to this country sometimes rather 
resent our calling such a bird by the name of their childhood’s favourite, 
until they, too, make new associations with it and take it to their heart as 
do the native born. At any rate it must be remembered that it was 
originally named “Robin” by Englishmen in remembrance of old home 
scenes, and not by colonials in a spirit of substitution or imitation. In 
fact the American Robin has no need to imitate anything or anybody, and 
has on its own merits carved a place for itself in the affection of the North 
American people that needs neither excuse nor defence. 
The spotted breast of the young Robin is indicative of its thrush-like 
spotted ancestor. In fact all the members of the family show, in the 
younger stages at least, this same spotty character that is token of their 
common descent. 
Probably the worst enemy of the Robin is the domestic cat, the pet of 
the household. Building in readily accessible places the young Robins are 
subject to many disturbances, are often caused to leave the nest pre- 
maturely, and annually great numbers fall prey to the cat. The harm 
done this way is to our sensibilities rather than to the Robin as a species. 
Undoubtedly, sleek, well-fed cats are pleasant pets to have about, but so 
