This pretty little bird has been rendered famous in story by figuring conspicuously in a pathetic nursery tale, well known in the land of our forefathers, to every child that is able to master its first reading lesson, The Babes of the Wood. Well do we remember how we sympathized with the poor babes, left all alone in the woods; and how the tears started into our eyes while we read that at last they laid them down to die, in each other's arms. And how we did love the little Robin Red Breast who covered them over with leaves, and then sweetly sang their funeral dirge. How susceptible the youthful mind is of early impressions, especially when the finer feelings of our nature are touched; neither time nor space can obliterate them, and they cling fondly to memory until the last. The Robin Red Breast is remarkable for his familiarity; he will not only fearlessly approach the cottage door to pick the crumbs, but in the winter he will take up his quarters inside, having his particular roost or place to sit, to which he will come regularly every night. These birds seem to have an innate attachment to the society of man; for although they are solitary birds, breeding only in pairs, sometimes in the most secluded portions of the woods, yet a woodcutter, or other person, will not be at work long in the forest, even the most secluded parts of it, without having the company of one or a pair of these birds, carefully picking up the fragments of their meals, or the insects brought to light by their operations. And in the breeding season, when birds generally seclude themselves, their attachment to man is exemplified, for they will breed anywhere near him. Under the eaves of the barn, in a hole in the wall, in the cowhouse, or the greenhouse, they will build their nest, and unsuspiciously rear their brood. Sawpits used to be favorite spots with them; those sawpits built with stones, which I suppose are almost obsolete now: there they would raise their brood some few feet from where the sawyers were at work; but there they were secure, for the workmen would not molest them; and, whether it proceeded from their association with the above event, or from their extreme sociability with man, they were generally loved and cherished; and the nest of the Robin Red Breast was always spared by the boys. He is now kept in cages and aviaries, and is still a greater favorite than formerly, not only for his pretty plumage and great sociability, but likewise for his song, which, when wild, is delightful; but when kept in a cage is very much improved, and is said, in the spring, to be really enchanting. They are very docile, and can easily be taught to sing on the finger, and eat out of the hand. We hope to have some of these pretty little warblers here before long, to answer for themselves.

Food

Bread and milk is recommended; also crumbs of bread, and beef minced fine; and they are said to be very fond of cheese. It is also said they are subject to diarrhoea. Now I know by experience, as I have before stated, that any bird, kept constantly upon a diet of bread and milk, either raw or boiled, will be subject to that disease, more or less. And I have no doubt but our yankee fare, meal and milk would agree very well with them, as a staple dish. And it is probable that those pretty little warblers can be kept in good health on the same treatment as our Mocking Bird.

Characteristics Of The Sexes

The male has the forehead, sides of the head, and lower parts, a fine orange red; the upper parts of the body are a brown olive. On the upper part of the shoulder there are some yellow spots, which are good marks to distinguish the male, as the females are destitute of them, except when very old, and then they are very faint. The female is smaller, and the color much duller.

Location

Found throughout Europe, in Britain - Resident. On the Continent - Migratory.