This is a hardy, vigorous, and well known bird, handsome in shape, beautiful in his plumage, and graceful in his attitudes; and, although he is a heavy bird of his size, there is none possessed of more agility, and who will leap lighter on their perch than the Robin. It is delightful to hear him salute the opening morn with his fine mellow note; he will also imitate other birds, and a good singing Robin is a valuable cage bird, for it is not every bird that will sing in a cage, at least the first and second year. I have at present a beautiful male bird who was a year old last spring; I have had him all summer, and never have heard him sing a note; I intend to keep him until next spring, to see what he will do then; I have had others who have sung very well the first year. The young are pretty hard to raise, being subject to the cramp in their legs and other parts of their bodies. I have found it very beneficial to them to put two or three inches of dry saw-dust in the bottom of the cage; they seem to enjoy it very much, and when put in the sun would lay down in it on their side, and stretch themselves out at full length. I was very successful in raising them last spring by this treatment. Put plenty of gravel in the bottom of the cage of the old bird, and, when it can be procured, a piece of turf, of which they are very fond. They are, when grown, a hardy bird.

Food

Meal and milk, a bit of beef, and plenty of water to wash with is all they require.

Characteristics Of The Sexes

The male is much redder on the breast than the female, the gray and white is also brighter, the bill is tinged with black, but ultimately it becomes pure yellow.

Location

Found throughout the United States, and in them all nearly Resident.