_Planesticus migratorius migratorius. Case 4, Fig. 80; Case 5, Fig. 12_
In spring and summer the head is blacker, the
breast brighter, the bill more yellow than in fall
and winter. L. 10.
_Range._ Nests from Virginia (in the mountains,
northern Georgia) and northern Mississippi to
Labrador and Alaska; winters from New Jersey and
Ohio Valley to the Gulf. Birds from the lowlands,
from Maryland southward, are somewhat smaller and
paler and are known as the Southern Robin (_P. m.
achrusterus_).
Washington, rather common S.R., abundant T.V.,
from Feb-Apl.; irregularly common W.V. Ossining,
common S.R., Mch. 4-Oct. 30; a few winter.
Cambridge, very abundant S.R., common but
irregular W.V. N. Ohio, abundant S.R., Feb.
26-Nov. 30; a few winter. Glen Ellyn, very common
S.R., rare W.V., Jan. 25-Nov. 19. SE. Minn.,
common S.R., rare W.V., Mch. 8-Nov. 11.
The Robin is the best-known and probably most abundant of our native
birds. Civilization agrees with him. Man has destroyed many of his
enemies and has provided him with a bountiful supply of fruits and a
vast area of lawns where worms are at his mercy. Sociable and trustful
he has taken up his abode with us and become as much a part of our
outdoor life as the flowers in our gardens and trees in our lawns. His
varied calls have an intimate association with the hour and season and
spring itself speaks through his cheerful song.
Robins show their confidence in us by building their nests in situations
where few birds would venture to rear a family, and from mid-April to
July they are occupied with household cares.