The Robin, or Redbreast ([Fig. 248]), is too familiar a friend to require description. It is lively, pert, pugnacious, cheerful, and a universal favourite. In April the Robin betakes itself to the woods and thickets, where it rears its brood. On the approach of winter it returns to civilised life, when, as M. Figuier informs us, it constitutes excellent game! No doubt it is edible; but where is the consumer of such to be found? Not in the British Islands, we hope.
The Wrens (Motacilla) are the smallest of European birds. The Golden-crested Kinglet (Motacilla regulus, Linn.), [Fig. 249], inhabits the woods and thickets of the cold and temperate regions of the earth, where, among the twigs, with great agility it searches for insects, on which it feeds. While thus occupied it emits a single shrill, feeble note, too often accepted by heartless boys as a tell-tale of its whereabouts.
Fig. 250.—The Common or European Wren (Motacilla troglodytes, Linn.).
The European Wren (Troglodytes europæus, Cuvier), [Fig. 250], is widely diffused over Europe, from Greenland to the southern parts of Italy, and from Trebizond to the west coast of Ireland. Like the Robin, it has become, in a sense, a sacred bird, and few venture to commit any outrage on the familiar little creature. Its nest is found in all kinds of situations; a favourite one being under the turfed summit of a stone wall skirting a brook, or on the edge of a wood or shrubbery. It is an elegant structure, oval in form, and dome-shaped, with the entrance at the side, the materials varying with the locality; but the lining generally is soft, downy feathers.
The Wood Warbler, or Wood Wren (Motacilla trochilus, Bewick), [Fig. 251], is a delicate, active little bird, pretty generally diffused. It is of retiring and unobtrusive manners, its favourite haunt being among the willows and osiers which skirt some sluggish stream. While flitting about in such localities it emits a small chirping noise; but during the months of May and June it is often heard chanting a soft, mellow, and very pleasing song. In autumn great numbers of them may be seen gliding among the fruit trees and bushes.
Fig. 251.—The Wood Warbler, or Wood Wren (Sylvia sibilatrix, Bechstein).
The Stone Chat (Saxicola rubicola, Temm.), [Fig. 252], has the head and throat black in the male, the breast brownish red, the sides of the neck white, a white spot on the wings, the upper parts brownish black, and the feathers edged with brownish red. In the female the head and upper parts are streaked with brownish red, the throat yellowish grey, the breast dull brownish red, a white spot on the wings, and the upper tail coverts yellowish red. "In April," says McGillivray, "it forms its nest, generally under some furze bush, or other shrub, or among rank grass; it is formed of stems and blades of grasses, intermixed with moss, and lined with finer straws, fibrous roots, hair, and wool, as well as feathers. These birds manifest intense anxiety should any one approach their nest, fluttering and flitting about, and incessantly emitting their sharp, snapping note, while endeavouring to lead the intruder off in pursuit of themselves."
