The vegetable matter consists of weed seeds and small fruits. In December a few grapes are eaten, but elderberries are the favorites whenever they can be found. It is only when these are in their greatest abundance that vegetable exceeds animal food.
Fig. 2.—Robin. Length, about 10 inches.
The robin[5] ([fig. 2]), in many parts of the country one of the most cherished of our birds, is found throughout the States east of the Great Plains, and is represented farther west and south by slightly different subspecies.[6], [7] It breeds far north through Canada, and is found even in Alaska. Although the great bulk of the species leaves the Northern States in winter, a few individuals remain in sheltered swamps, where wild berries furnish abundant food. The robin is an omnivorous feeder and its food habits have sometimes caused apprehension to the fruit grower, for it is fond of cherries and other small fruits, particularly the earlier varieties. For this reason many complaints have been lodged against robins, and it has been necessary to permit the killing of the birds in some fruit-growing regions.
[5] Planesticus migratorius.
[6] Planesticus migratorius propinquus.
[7] Planesticus migratorius achrusterus.