The Robin.
To many the robin is the most cherished of birds and is found throughout the States east of the Great Plains, and is represented farther west and south by slightly different sub-species. It breeds far north through Canada, and is found even in Alaska. It is quite fearless and will occupy a bird shelf close to human habitation. The robin, however, refuses the enclosed house and therefore the front and one side should be made open.
The Titmice.
These birds, although insignificant in size, have enormous appetites and feed chiefly on small insects and their eggs that wholly escape the search of larger birds. This bird, or some of its sub-species, occupies the whole of the United States north of the latitude of Washington and extends into Canada.
In the eastern portion of the country the best known and most widely distributed species is the common black capped chickadee. Fig. [3] shows a chickadee feeding from the hand.
The Wrens.
The diminutive house wren frequents barns and gardens and particularly old orchards in which the trees are partially decayed. He makes his nest in a hollow where perhaps a woodpecker had a domicile the year before, but he is a pugnacious character, and if he happens to fancy one of the boxes put up for bluebirds, he does not hesitate to take it. He is usually not slow to avail himself of boxes, gourds, tin cans, or empty jars placed for his accommodation.
Fig. 4.
The various species of wrens occupy more or less the whole country from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The wren is one of our most friendly birds and his presence should be encouraged about every farm, village, and suburban residence.